Geely's Volvo Cars and technology company ECARX are planning to set up a new joint venture for the development and commercialisation of an infotainment system platform.
The planned joint venture would allow both companies and the wider Geely Group to speed up technology development, improve cost efficiency and create new revenue streams.
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Volvo Cars has worked with Google on the development of the Android Automotive operating system since 2017. In 2020, Volvo Cars and Polestar were the first car makers to introduce infotainment systems based on the Android Automotive operating system with Google apps and services built in.
Through the new joint venture, the partners will continue and expand the development of Volvo Cars' infotainment system platform. The joint venture will make the platform available to all Geely Group and affiliate brands while also providing the platform to third parties through ECARX.
ECARX is a new, stand-alone and fast-growing technology company that has had a global footprint since its expansion to Europe in December 2020. It has extensive experience in developing and integrating high-quality Android-based infotainment systems for brands such as Geely Auto, Lynk & Co and Proton.
Volvo Cars initially plans to integrate the platform developed in the joint venture into Volvo Cars and Polestar cars, with their own unique user interfaces.
ECARX will be the exclusive commercialisation partner for the integration of the platform into other vehicles worldwide and in combination with its existing automotive services offering in China.
When established, the joint venture will be headed by Jan-Erik Larsson, currently the head of R&D in China for Volvo Cars. Following final negotiations, and subject to finalisation and execution of relevant agreements between the parties, the company is set to become operational in the third quarter of 2021.
