Automotive safety systems supplier Autoliv and Volvo Cars have agreed to form a new jointly owned company to develop next-generation autonomous driving software. 

Once finalized, the joint venture will introduce a new player in the growing global market for autonomous driving software systems. The new company, still unnamed, will develop advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) systems for use in Volvo vehicles and for sale exclusively by Autoliv to all automakers globally. Both companies will share revenues, Volvo and Autoliv said in a released statement.

The planned company, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, is expected to have an initial workforce of around 200 people. Employees will come from both Volvo and Autoliv. This number will expand to more than 600 in the medium term, Volvo and Autoliv said. The company is set to start operations in early 2017.  

“By combining our know-how and resources we will create a world leader in AD software development,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars. “This means we can introduce this exciting technology to our customers faster.” 

Both Autoliv and Volvo Cars will provide intellectual property for their ADAS systems to the joint venture. Dennis Nobelius, managing director of Volvo Switzerland, is set to serve as CEO of the new joint venture. The non-binding letter of intent, however, is subject to further negotiations.