Volvo Cars, Waymo partner to build self-driving vehicles

Volvo has a separate agreement to deliver vehicles to Uber that will equipped to operate as self-driving vehicles. Volvo Cars is continuing to deliver
...
A Waymo autonomous vehicle is displayed at the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles booth during the 2019 CES in Las Vegas. (REUTERS)
A Waymo autonomous vehicle is displayed at the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles booth during the 2019 CES in Las Vegas.

Waymo and the Volvo Cars Group have agreed to develop a self-driving electric vehicle designed for ride hailing use, as part of a new global partnership, the companies said on Thursday.

Waymo, a unit of Silicon Valley's Alphabet Inc, said it will be the exclusive global partner for Volvo Cars for developing self-driving vehicles capable of operating safely without routine driver intervention.

Also check these Cars

Find more Cars
Volvo Ex90 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 1.50 Cr
View Details
Volvo S90 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1969.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 61.90 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Volvo Xc40 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1969.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 41.25 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Volvo Xc90 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1969.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 88.90 - 96.65 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Volvo Xc60 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1969.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 61.90 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Volvo C40 Recharge (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon 78 kWh Range Icon 530 Km
₹ 61.25 Lakhs
Compare

Waymo will focus on the artificial intelligence and certain hardware, including cameras, lidar and radar, for the automated "driver." Volvo will design and manufacture the vehicles. The companies said Waymo will work with Volvo's global brands, including Polestar and Lynk & Co.

Waymo and Volvo did not say when or where they expect to launch their new ride-hailing vehicle.

Volvo, owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co, has a separate agreement to deliver vehicles to ride hailing company Uber Technologies Inc that Uber will equip to operate as self-driving vehicles. Volvo Cars is continuing to deliver vehicles to Uber.

Uber's development of self-driving vehicle technology was disrupted after a self-driving Volvo SUV operated by Uber struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona in 2018. More recently, Uber has been slashing costs and staff to offset revenue lost to the coronavirus pandemic. Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi has said Uber is open to using competitors' technology.

Also Read : Volvo offers charging infrastructure across Europe for all electric models

The Waymo-Volvo deal marks a return by Waymo to its early goal of rethinking how cars that can pilot themselves should look. Since retiring its Firefly self-driving car in 2017, Waymo has retrofitted its software and sensors into conventional vehicles such as Chrysler Pacifica minivans. Waymo also is developing technology for self-driving commercial trucks.

Also Read : Volvo sees virus crisis as opportunity, aims to sell only EVs, hybrids by 2025

Waymo earlier this year raised $3 billion in its first external investment round.

Rival Cruise, majority-owned by General Motors Co, last year unveiled a prototype for an electric, self-driving people carrier called the Cruise Origin.

Waymo said it will continue working with Fiat Chrysler , Jaguar Land Rover and the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance.

First Published Date: 26 Jun 2020, 08:09 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.