Car Makers & Electronic Manufacturers Join Forces

Thursday, 1. September 2011

Image via Wikipedia

No sooner have I reported on the new association between General Motors and LG to develop new electric cars than I’m told of the new association between Volvo and Siemens to do the same. It very much looks as though this will be the trend. Apparently Siemens have been having discussions with several car manufacturers but decided upon Volvo as the way forward. Some would say that that decision was somewhat questionable considering the number of Volvos sold each year but maybe they haven’t taken account of the company’s new Chinese owners, Geely.

Ah maybe not so daft after all eh! The partners will look at developing electric motors, inverters, charging elements and charging infrastructure as well as engine management to manage the new electric motors.

Initially they will be working on an electric version of the small C30 with next year making a rechargeable hybrid version of the V60 estate available.

The tie up with Volvo is not exclusive and further announcements are likely soon as they come to formal arrangements with other manufacturers. I think this is a great idea and could help to keep the development costs down but I see a lot of problems down the line with intellectual rights over new developments. By Graham Hill