Volvo Cars opens new tech hub and global innovation centre in Singapore

Volvo Cars is opening a new Tech Hub in Singapore, a vibrant global hotspot for advanced technology and manufacturing excellence.
The new Tech Hub will be a key centre for data and analytics, software and advanced manufacturing development in line with Volvo’s ambition to be a leader in new technology and a fully electric car maker by 2030.

The Singapore facility will initially focus on building up capabilities in technology and software development, data and analytics as well as advanced manufacturing – a core strategic area for Volvo Cars. Manufacturing is an increasingly technology-intense area that offers plenty of new opportunities within AI, robotics, automation, machine learning, nanotechnology and a range of other new and emerging technologies.

TARGETING GLOBAL TECH HUB SYNERGIES
“This new presence in Singapore will support our in-house technology and software development capabilities,” said Javier Varela, Volvo Cars chief operating officer and deputy CEO. “It will serve as a global innovation centre to further accelerate our momentum and increase our capabilities in advanced manufacturing and data and analytics.”  

The announcement of the Singapore Tech Hub follows the recent addition of a Tech Hub in Krakow, Poland earlier this year. Both hubs aim to further optimise Volvo's global site strategy to gain ground in key technology areas and attract the best tech talent around the world. These Tech Hubs work closely with the carmaker's existing network of Tech Hubs and core engineering centres globally.

Singapore has in recent years become a leading global technology competence and innovation centre. With leading universities and wider education ecosystems, it’s now the location of choice for many technology companies, investments and talent worldwide.

Volvo Cars is establishing the new hub in Singapore with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), giving Volvo Cars further capability to leverage Singapore's local network and talent for its development of the next generation of technologies and cars.

Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President, EDB, said, “We welcome Volvo Cars’ decision to set up its Tech Hub in Singapore. This is testament to Singapore’s attractiveness as an innovation hub for global mobility companies to develop solutions for the regional and global market. It will create exciting job opportunities for Singaporeans as well as partnership opportunities for our public research performers and local companies in developing new technologies and next-generation vehicles.”

YVONNE TAN TO HEAD THE SINGAPORE TECH HUB
The new Tech Hub will open in early September and be led by Yvonne Tan, who joined the company on September 1. Yvonne is a senior and visionary leader with a proven track record of enabling business through engineering development and successful delivery execution.

Yvonne is joining Volvo Cars from Venture International Pte, Ltd, a leading global provider of technology services. There, she has led the advanced life science instrumentation and systems delivery in the role as R&D director. Additionally, she brings eight years of experience from leading research design development as senior engineering manager at Dyson Operations Pte. Ltd. She has an Engineering doctorate from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, and she holds a Master of Science in Business IT attained at University of Wales.

Volvo Cars currently operates Volvo Cars Tech Hubs in Stockholm and Lund in Sweden, in Krakow in Poland as well as in Bangalore in India. It also has large engineering centres in Shanghai, China and Gothenburg, Sweden. While each of these locations has its own focus area, together they make up a crucial network of innovation centres strategically spread around the globe.

Volvo  Cars had recently set up its regional headquarters for the APeC region in Singapore, and the the opening of the Tech Hub further amplifies its presence in the country.