GOTHENBURG, Sweden,
Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Geely
Group is excited to announce that the joint R&D Centre of Geely
Auto and Volvo Cars in Gothenburg has begun operations
following a decision made earlier this year. The Centre
will embark on a focused program developing a modular architecture
and components for the next generation leading C-segment cars for
both Geely Auto and Volvo Cars.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130916/CN79390 )
This newly launched joint R&D Centre is an important step in
consolidating Geely Group's global footprint. In line with our
strategy, the Group aims to leverage global technological resources
in different business units to build R&D capabilities and
teams, enhancing our ability to continuously innovate. Developed in
accordance with international standards, the modular architecture
will help achieve synergies through economies of scale and scope in
terms of development, testing, and procurement, without the
slightest compromise on brand value. With the independent platform,
Volvo Cars will continue to focus on the global premium car market,
while Geely Auto will remain focused on the mass
market.
"The modular architecture is an important springboard for Geely
Group's sustainable development globally and benefits the growth of
both Volvo Cars and Geely Auto. The architecture will provide Geely
Auto with the tools to improve its products and technology
significantly. Capital investment in the Centre will help drive
Volvo Cars' technological advances. Access to Geely Auto's OEM
suppliers in Asia will also be
made available to Volvo Cars for procurement optimisation as
needed," said An Conghui, President of Geely Group. "We have put
together outstanding technical and management teams and provided
them with first-class working conditions and facilities, to ensure
the success of the cross-brand modular architecture strategy."
Mats Fagerhag, CEO of the new R&D Centre, commented: "The
modular design which allows several different vehicle platforms to
be developed from one single architecture has been a proven
approach in the industry. This will ensure tailor-made solutions to
multiple brands for various market segments. This joint R&D
Centre with its combined strengths will enhance our competitiveness
in technological leadership."
Located in Lindholmen Science Park, Gothenburg, the Centre will take the advantage
of industry-specific capabilities and abundant resources available
in the region. Geely Group plans to invest heavily in the Centre to
support its research and development as well as daily operations.
The Centre has been staffed by existing engineers from Geely Auto
and Volvo Cars as well as externally recruited talent to further
strengthen the team. At present, approximately 70 engineers have
started working in the Centre, we anticipate the number to reach
its full scale of 200 by the second half of 2014.