Volvo Cars Ups the Ante with Software Testing Mecca in Gothenburg
October 16 2023,
With the curtains lifting on its state-of-the-art software testing facility in Gothenburg, Volvo Cars cements its role as a key player in the realm of electric vehicles and in-house software development. Spanning an impressive 22,000 square meters and fueled by an initial SEK 300 million investment, this center eclipses existing Volvo software facilities in both scale and capability.
Global Head of R&D at Volvo Cars, Anders Bell, shared that this center will serve as a nerve center for round-the-clock global software testing, establishing a new industry standard. Launching with an initial headcount of 100 experts, the Gothenburg facility is poised for growth, with plans to triple its workforce and expand its range of testing rigs and digital environments from 200 to a staggering 500.
Navigating the Software-Driven Landscape
Alwin Bakkenes, Global Head of Software Engineering, underscored the center's strategic role in accelerating the pace of innovation. Target areas range from fundamental safety features to autonomous driving solutions, aligning with Volvo's ambitious goal to transition to an entirely electric portfolio by 2030. Specifically, software-defined models like the EX90 and EX30 SUVs will continue to evolve through consistent over-the-air updates.
The Gothenburg facility forms a critical piece in Volvo's global tech puzzle, complementing recent additions like a new Tech Hub in Singapore and a forthcoming hub in Krakow, Poland. As Volvo Cars paves the way in automotive tech, this Swedish innovation hotbed stands as a testament to the company's forward-thinking strategy.
