Volvo Cars expands automated driving partnership with Nvidia

Volvo Cars has extended its collaboration with Nvidia to advance driver-assistance and automated-driving technology. The companies announced this development on Thursday, as automakers intensify efforts to introduce sophisticated hands-free driving features to the market. Volvo will leverage its safety systems and engineering expertise alongside Nvidia's artificial intelligence and computing technologies, such as the Hyperion sensor, computer architecture, and autonomous-driving software stack.

This partnership comes as companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ford also focus on developing more advanced automated-driving systems, ranging from hands-free highway driving to limited self-driving capabilities. Tesla is particularly striving for wider acceptance of its assisted-driving technology in Europe, potentially including urban areas, following a possible EU-wide vote in December.

Jensen Huang, Nvidia's CEO, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that it offers Nvidia a "tremendous opportunity" due to Volvo's stringent safety standards. He added that the rollout of new features would be gradual, prioritizing safety above all else. Volvo's CEO, Hakan Samuelsson, emphasized the company's cautious approach, stating that the technology will not be deployed in unsafe conditions.

The advanced technology, aimed at supporting hands-free driving both in urban environments and on highways, is expected to be integrated into Volvo vehicles by 2030 and will be launched simultaneously in multiple regions, excluding China. Volvo's head of software engineering, Alwin Bakkenes, noted that pricing for these features remains to be determined but will not be limited to higher-priced models.