Volvo Cars expands automated driving partnership with Nvidia

Business Recorder reported that Volvo Cars has broadened its tie-up with Nvidia to build the next generation of driver-assistance and self-driving systems. The two companies announced the move on Thursday, at a time when carmakers compete to launch more sophisticated hands-free systems. Volvo will pair its safety know-how and engineering skills with Nvidia's artificial intelligence and computing platforms, including the Hyperion sensor and autonomous-driving software.

Other automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Ford, are also targeting systems that reach beyond highway driving into limited self-driving conditions. Tesla is also seeking broader acceptance for its assisted-driving system across Europe, covering city streets, and an EU-wide ballot could take place in December. Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang called the tie-up a major opportunity for his company, pointing to Volvo's strict safety standards, and said features will be introduced gradually.

Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson said the carmaker will roll out cautiously and will not offer the system in conditions it considers unsafe. Alwin Bakkenes, Volvo Cars' head of software engineering, said the technology should reach Volvo vehicles before 2030 and launch simultaneously in several regions, excluding China. Volvo, in which China's Geely Holding holds a majority stake, has not picked a pricing model yet, but the features are not confined to costlier models.