Automotive giant Volvo has signed a framework agreement with Uber to supply ‘tens of thousands’ of self-driving compatible vehicles between 2019 and 2021.

“The automotive industry is being disrupted by technology, and Volvo Cars chooses to be an active part of that disruption,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, in a statement issued yesterday (2o November).

“Our aim is to be the supplier of choice for AD ride-sharing service providers globally. Today’s agreement with Uber is a primary example of that strategic direction.”

Uber and Volvo have a history of working together. They have been working together on autonomous vehicle projects as part of a strategic partnership that began in August last year.

Volvo’s engineers have worked closely together with engineers from Uber to develop the XC90 SUVs that are to be supplied to Uber.

According to Volvo: “The base vehicles incorporate all necessary safety, redundancy and core autonomous driving technologies that are required for Uber to add its own self-driving technology.”

At the same time as it provides Uber with its fleets of autonomous driving cars, Volvo will be using the same vehicle platform to develop its own autonomous car strategy. Volvo has plans to release its own fully autonomous car in 2021.
 
Subscribe to Newsletter