Volvo Cars announced on February 27 that it aims to launch a new Tech Hub in Poland’s second-biggest city, Krakow, before 2023 ends. As per the press release, the facility will serve as a major software development hub to aid the company’s strategic goals of becoming a 100% electrified brand by 2030.
Volvo’s electrification efforts
Volvo has pledged to electrify its entire portfolio of entry models over the following years. At the same time, it has also been developing the necessary technology to boost its electrification efforts.
Geely‘s brand currently offers a relatively small lineup, but it gradually increases as the years go by. Furthermore, the company’s sales more than doubled last year and reported a record-breaking revenue.
Volvo is also set to launch its new EX90, which is currently marketed as the “safest vehicle it has ever produced.”
Furthermore, the automaker has also declared plans to lead the global EV technology primarily in software developed in-house. Interestingly, Volvo has now decided where the software will be developed.
Volvo selects Poland as its new software development base
Volvo stated that the new Polish hub would develop the major features for the company’s upcoming battery electric vehicles, including the following:
· core safety
· perception
· driver assistance
· autonomous driving capabilities
It is worth noting that Volvo’s EVs are evolving to be increasingly more “software-defined,” as demonstrated by the highly awaited EX90. The software allows for a more technologically advanced car and a convenient updating process over the air (OTA).
That said, Volvo claims that the company is currently striving to develop the new Tech Hub and sufficiently equip its engineering team to advance its position as an EV software leader.
“We’re a purpose-led and technology-driven company, so our new generation of Volvo cars will be more than just transport. They’ll be computers on wheels, designed to be updated over the air with new software. That means our Krakow tech hub and growing our in-house software development capabilities are key to our future success.”
Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars CEO
Why Poland?
Volvo explains that it considered its strong footprint in Poland, which is already over 30 years, among the reasons it pursued Krakow. Apart from that, the automaker envisions the city as a technology magnet, considering its big telecom industry.
That said, Volvo aims to capitalize on the available talent pool in the city before its rivals in the auto industry. In fact, the automaker has already started recruiting top engineering minds in the area.
“Our ambition is to attract and recruit top talent globally by being present in strategically important locations. Our new Tech Hub in Krakow is a perfect example of that. So if you’re interested in shaping the future of mobility with a brand that’s at the forefront of technology development, and inspired to be part of nurturing our strong culture and values, Volvo Cars is the place for you.”
Hanna Fager, Volvo Cars’ Chief People Officer
As early as the end of 2023, Volvo plans to launch the new hub in Krakow. It expects to generate over 120 job positions before increasing by 500 to 600 workers by 2025.
