Volvo keeps it simple with new logo

Volvo Cars has rebranded its global operations with a simple new 2D logo design finished in black.

Designed to display better online and mirroring a similar approach from Volkswagen, Peugeot, General Motors, Kia, MINI and Renault, the Swedish car-maker's stripped-back badge reflects the very earliest iterations of the 'iron mark' logo that was used back in the 1930s.

Over the weekend the Scandinavian brand updated all its social media channels to display the new logo, but it's been reported that Volvo will continue to use its 3D metallic chrome and blue logo on its cars and SUVs for at least another year, ahead of a switch to the new badge in 2023.

Coinciding with the rebranding is recent news that Volvo's parent company Geely is considering going public with the 94-year-old car-maker, which is rumoured to be worth as much as $30 billion ($A42b).

It's thought the huge amount of cash raised from floating Volvo would be used to self-fund the development of future products without having to draw resources from its Chinese parent.