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Volvo Launches Futuristic Mobility Innovation Centre

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Volvo Launches Futuristic Mobility Innovation Centre
08 Feb 2024
6 min read

News Synopsis

In an unprecedented move that is set to transform Sweden's Gothenburg into the Silicon Valley of the automotive world, Volvo Cars announced plans to establish the mobility innovation destination Torslanda. This cutting-edge initiative is not just a step but a giant leap forward in the company's electrification journey and its quest to dominate the next generation of premium electric vehicles. It's also indicative of a nearly century-old romance with his hometown of Gothenburg.

Imagine a futuristic playground where cars charge wirelessly, talk to the power grid, and drive by themselves without leaving town. That's exactly what Volvo imagines with this new Innovation Center. It aims to test emerging technologies in a simulated future society, far beyond the traditional confines of laboratories and development centers. That Volvo's innovations are not only theoretical but practical, and are ready for the roads of the future.

To foster a thriving ecosystem of innovation, Volvo plans to expand its Torslanda campus to include new buildings and facilities for testing, engineering and materials. The expansion will also open its doors to startups and business partners, turning it into a melting pot of automotive innovation.

Volvo Cars Chief Executive Jim Rowan Jim Rowan Chief Executive of Volvo Cars said, "Our goal with this initiative is to create an ecosystem where we can develop the future of mobility – including cars, the technology inside them and the infrastructure around them. He also highlighted the company's ambition to attract global talent and connect with cutting-edge businesses.

The construction of modern offices right in front of the existing campus marks the next phase of mobility innovation destination Torslanda. The project is a collaborative effort with real estate developers Vectura Fastigheter and Next Step Group, promising cost-effective yet innovative construction solutions.

Sustainability is at the forefront of this initiative, the first newbuilding being a 25,000 square meter wood hybrid building, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. The building is just the beginning, with its construction starting in the second quarter of 2024 and expected to be completed by 2026, just in time to celebrate the centenary of Volvo cars in 2027.

Volvo's campus will be part of the Gothenburg Green City Zone initiative, further strengthening its commitment to a greener future. The initiative aims to test new technologies for vehicles and infrastructure by 2030 in a collaborative effort with the city of Gothenburg, businesses, researchers and others for emissions-free transport.

Volvo Cars is not stopping there. As well as the mobility innovation destination Torslanda, the company has a strong engineering presence in the region, including a manufacturing plant, design center, and various test and development facilities. A new battery plant is also under construction in partnership with NorthVolt, which marks a significant investment in next-generation fully electric car production.

As Volvo Cars continues to innovate and expand its global footprint with various technology centers and engineering centers, the mobility innovation destination Torslanda stands as a testament to its commitment to the future of mobility. This initiative is not just about reimagining cars and their capabilities, it is about redefining the fabric of urban life and moving towards the future with a touch of confidence and Swedish ingenuity.

TWN Special