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Volvo
Volvo
2008 Volvo C70
Sweden's Volvo brand is Ford's last remaining European luxury brand, and it has a hard-earned global reputation for safety. That could make it an attractive sale item.

Meanwhile, Ford has gotten good use out of Volvo, borrowing Volvo engineering for several vehicles - including the Ford Taurus and Taurus X - that have earned top marks in crash tests.

Why keep it: Volvo's engineering acumen has helped Ford build safer cars for all its brands and it's a relationship Ford can point at to make buyers feel better about Ford cars and SUVs. Also, Volvo gives Ford another trusted brand name in Europe and among European car fans in the U.S.

Why dump it: Ford has already benefited from Volvo engineering. What else can it take away? Meanwhile, Volvo just isn't a hot seller here in the U.S. while Ford is already a respected brand in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. It's not like Ford really needs help there, especially if it can breathe more life into its Lincoln brand.

NEXT: Chrysler

Last updated December 02 2008: 4:31 PM ET
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