Introduction
The Volvo Group operates in a hybrid organisation with both separate business areas and common business units to be close to the customers and still utilise synergies. The R&D follows that pattern too. Product development is controlled and in varying degrees performed by the business areas. Research, development of technology, general processes, tools and infrastructures are co-ordinated and to a certain extent performed by common boards and units. About 50% of the Volvo Group R&D is performed in Sweden and the rest in different locations in Europe, US, Asia, South America.
Group Issue Board - Technology
An internal board, Group Issue Board - Technology, is co-ordinating all strategic issues in the R&D area of common Volvo interest. All major lines of business are represented as well as the common units for powertrains and technology. It is chaired by Lars-Göran Moberg, member of the GEC and CEO of Volvo Powertrain Corporation.
Group Issue Board - Technology take decisions for the Volvo Group in its areas of operation. It operates through a network of sub-groups with representatives from different parts of the Volvo Group. Volvo Technology Corporation is its special tool used for both research and administrative tasks.
Common Units
There are several common business units in the Volvo Group in the R&D domain. The following are those with the largest interest from a research and technology development perspective.
Volvo 3P
Volvo 3P develops trucks for the different Volvo Group brands. At present there is a restructuring of the automotive industry leading to larger volumes and lower costs. It is vital to take a lead in that race of still being able to offer premium products. In addition, electronics is becoming a more integrated part of future vehicles, thus raising complexity.
Volvo Powertrain
Volvo Powertrain is responsible for all major engines and transmissions of common use in the Volvo Group. It develops and manufactures a Volvo Group family of products. Volvo Powertrain is also co-ordinating the third party engine business. The ongoing improvements of environmental properties from major challenges and leads to more advanced products. Still their reliability is vital.
Volvo Technology
The mission of Volvo Technology includes securing the strategic technologies for the Volvo Group and facilitating the use of common technologies. It operates as a partner to the different R&D units of the Volvo Group and on contract from Volvo Cars, selected suppliers and government authorities. Half its operation is in R&T, half in product development and services.
Volvo Technology Transfer
The mission of Volvo Technology Transfer is to enlarge the technology base and entrepreneurship of the Volvo Group. It transfers technologies, which demonstrate significant market potential at an early stage, into and out from the Volvo Group.
Volvo Information Technology
Volvo Group has gathered its resources for company related information processing into a single unit: Volvo Information Technology. Thereby common solutions are facilitated. Product data management is an example of system of importance in the R&D domain.