Global center for automotive R&D
Five large global automotive groups perform automotive research and development in Sweden, the car manufacturers Ford and GM as the owners of Volvo Cars and Saab Automobile, truck makers Volvo Trucks and Scania; and Autoliv, a leader in automotive safety. The cluster has established a leading position in several important growth areas. Sweden is Ford's global R&D center for safety, electronics, telematics and hybrid car technologies, and GM's global development hub for safety, telematics, hybrids, chassis systems and turbo engines. Volvo Trucks and Scania both have their principal R&D operations in Sweden.

Solid tradition of complex systems design
It is anticipated that the premium cars of tomorrow will be controlled and managed by more than 80 different embedded systems. The cars of the future will offer advanced infotainment and telematics features, intelligent vehicle safety systems and advanced chassis management. Sweden offers excellent capabilities in key technology areas for developing and integrating such systems. This is partly because of a strong industrial heritage in defense, aerospace and telecommunications – areas where systems integration know-how is fundamental for success.

Leadership in clean automotive technologies
Sweden’s ‘Green Car’ research programs were launched in 2000 to promote the development of clean automotive technologies. They bring together manufacturers, suppliers, universities and research institutes in a wide range of projects. One direct outcome has been a powertrain concept that combines high performance with zero carbon dioxide emissions. Another result has been Ford’s decision to locate its European development center for hybrid systems in Göteborg. The center will produce new hybrid technology for all of Ford’s brands in Europe and for Volvo models worldwide.

Strong test and demonstration environments
Over 30 automotive manufacturers and component suppliers have chosen the Sweden Winter Test Region in northern Sweden for winter testing and long-term road tests. Sweden is also an increasingly popular venue for durability tests and verification of advanced embedded systems. A national test and demonstration arena for safety, environmental impact and intelligent transport systems (Test Site Sweden) offers manufacturers and suppliers an opportunity for testing in virtual, full scale and real environments.