
Volvo to build tens of thousands of self-driving taxis for Uber
The cars ordered are based on Volvo’s modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). This is the architecture on which Volvo’s current flagship SUV XC90 as well as the midsize XC60 are based on. Modifications towards self-driving capabilities are developed in close cooperation with Uber, Volvo announced in a press release. The base vehicles already incorporate the core autonomous driving technologies required for Uber to add its own self-driving technology. At the same time, Volvo plans to continue developing its own autonomous car strategy which is planned for release of first fully autonomous cars in 2021.
Though the carmaker did not provide financial details of the contract, experts estimate the value to slightly above $ 1 billion, about 4.5 % of Volvo’s total annual sales.
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