Volvo Cars is creating a new technology hub in Stockholm in a bid to boost its capabilities in software engineering, data science and analytics, product management, online business and user experience.
It expects to create a workspace for more than 700 professionals at the Stockholm center, which is an expansion of Volvo’s current downtown location. The center will focus on areas the automaker views as a key part of its ongoing transformation.
Volvo’s move toward online sales is part of its intention to take the lead in the fast-growing premium electric segment giving access to millions of direct consumer relationships. This includes creating a simplified process for ordering a vehicle, with transparent pricing, clear product information and clarity on delivery times.
The automaker says it is taking software development in-house, both to reach its online aims and because cars are increasingly defined by software rather than traditional hardware. To this end, Volvo also is centralizing computing inside its battery-electric vehicles into a core system allowing software improvement with over-the-air updates.
Hanna Fager, head of corporate functions at Volvo Cars, says: “People with the right competence and values make the difference for our ambitions, and that’s why we’re establishing our new tech hub. Stockholm is a hot spot for tech talents, and we want to create an innovative, creative and collaborative workplace to attract people from around the world.”
