Volvo Group in India has announced that Volvo Group Trucks Technology (GTT), the global research, development and engineering arm of Volvo, and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to undertake research and development in future automotive technologies.

The MoU was signed by Jan-Ove Östensen, VP Advanced Technology & Research, Volvo Group, and K Paneer Selvam, in-charge registrar, IISc.

Speaking on the occasion, Jan-Ove Östensen, said, “Innovation has always been a special strength of the Volvo Group. This initiative demonstrates Volvo Group’s commitment to continually work with academic institutions to innovate in research and to strengthen industry-academia collaboration globally. With the agreement, Volvo Group and IISc will collaborate to strengthen the eco-system of innovation while undertaking important research in the automotive sector which is of mutual interest.”

Prof Y Narahari, chair, Division of Electrical Sciences, in supporting Volvo Group’s efforts noted, “This MoU is a significant event to foster strong linkage between Volvo Group and IISc, which is mutually beneficial with an aim to transform the landscape of transportation for societal and environmental benefit.”

Volvo Group and IISc will collaborate on long-term research collaboration in selected technology areas.

Also commenting on the occasion, Kamal Bali, MD, Volvo India, said, “Volvo Group has had an impactful 18 years in India. We believe we have been able to drive change across many segments, positively affecting the lives of our customers, passengers, drivers, operators, amongst various other stakeholders. In the emerging world, the road to progress is about collaborations and our partnership with IISC symbolises our ambition to foster research and development in order to fuel innovations - creating a positive impact on our society, while addressing the future demands of sustainable mobility.”

Other universities with which the Volvo Group collaborates globally include - Penn State University in the US; INSA in France; and Chalmers University of Technology; Mälardalen University and the University of Skövde in Sweden.