Volvo has acquired Zenseact, an autonomous driving {hardware} and software program provider.
Whereas many automakers now view autonomous driving merchandise because the auto business’s future, current historical past has proven that it may be a extremely risky market. A month in the past, Ford was pressured to divest from its autonomous automobile firm after scuffling with profitability. Now Volvo hopes to attempt its hand, shopping for out autonomous driving software program and {hardware} provider Zenseact.
As initially reported by Reuters, Volvo had already bought the lion’s share of the Zenseact enterprise however has now bought the remaining shares from minority proprietor ECARX, an autonomous driving provider in China. Particulars relating to how a lot Volvo paid for the shares haven’t been disclosed. Zenseact is now a 100% subsidiary of Volvo Automobiles.
Zenseact, like different autonomous driving corporations, primarily serves as a provider to automakers, permitting them to make use of its self-driving know-how of their automobiles. In line with the corporate’s web site, its OnePilot autonomous driving providing “is AI-powered software program for autonomous driving and superior driver help programs. It combines in-car software program and cloud providers to supply rigorous safety on the highway.”
Most lately, Zenseact labored with Volvo to introduce autonomous driving capabilities to the upcoming Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 electrical SUVs. Nevertheless, with the corporate now turning into a subsidiary of the Swedish automaker, many anticipate extra Volvo and Polestar merchandise to obtain the identical remedy.
It’s unclear if Volvo’s funding will outcome within the know-how being shared with its main shareholder, Chinese language automaker Geely Motors. However with such a concentrate on the know-how from the business typically, it could be arduous to consider Geely wouldn’t take the chance.
Zenseact doesn’t listing every other automakers as clients on its web site. Nevertheless, it specifies that it’s working with large names like NVIDIA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and ECARX.
As autonomous driving turns into an ever extra widespread function within the automobiles folks drive, the significance and strategic benefit of getting a tailor-made autonomous driving suite will develop into ever extra vital. And with such a notable automaker making this funding, it may not be lengthy earlier than manufacturers think about doing the identical.
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