Even though Linsanity has faded a bit here in the past month (thank you, Carmelo Anthony, for ruining a New York Knicks team that was exciting to watch for the first time since Latrell Sprewell stopped choking coaches), Volvo isn’t fazed.

The Chinese-owned Volvo signed Jeremy Lin to a two-year marketing deal to help the Swedish-based carmaker expand in the Chinese market.

Confused?

Here’s how Volvo’s ownership changes went down. First, Ford bought Volvo in 1999. Then Ford went and sold the company to China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. in 2010 for $1.8 billion. The ownership changes parallel where Lin’s played so far; he was waived by both Golden State and Houston before being picked up by the New York Knickerbockers earlier this year. But there are other, better reasons why this happens to be a perfect match.

Volvo, long known for its ability to produce safe and reliable vehicles, signs a renaissance guard who uses throwback fundamentals as the foundation of his game. The pick and rolls, deft passing, and intuitive playmaking ability make Lin so much fun to watch.

The simplicity of his game makes it beautiful.

And those characteristics are a lot like Volvo’s. The cars aren’t fancy, but they’re smooth. And isn’t part of the company’s charm how quiet they seem? Volvos are unassuming and modest, just like Lin.

An automobile company comparison for the brazen, unlikable Carmelo Anthony? Try Hummer.

Get your new Volvo here.