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Volvo Cars, acquired the
platform, technology, key staff and other assets of Luxe, a US based premium
valet and concierge service. This acquisition provides Volvo Cars with a major
boost in the development of digital services that simplify consumer experience.
The advanced software and
technology platform as well as key data scientists, app developers and software
engineers currently employed by Luxe will join Volvo’s digital organization in
Silicon Valley.
The Silicon Valley office
provides an additional center of gravity for Volvo Cars’ efforts in building
digital products and services for its global business across Europe, Asia, and
the Americas. For example, it was deeply involved in the development of a pilot
program for on-demand refuelling for Volvo owners in San Francisco.
“Our vision is a future in
which technology simplifies life so you never have to stop at a petrol station,
go to a car wash or even take your car in for service ever again. The acquisition
of Luxe is a step towards realizing that ambition. I look forward to working
closely with the highly talented team at Luxe who created its advanced
technology from the ground up,” said Atif Rafiq, Chief Digital Officer at Volvo
Cars.
The acquisition of the Luxe
platform is expected to considerably accelerate Volvo Cars’ ability to offer
digital customer experiences such as pick-up and drop-off services, adding a
new level of convenience for Volvo owners. The technology behind Luxe provides
the Volvo with advanced algorithms in the areas of routing, logistics planning
and arrival time prediction.
“As more and more of our
cars are connected, the availability of digital services becomes a critical
part of the process of selecting a new car. Simplification of experience and
placing control directly into the hands of the consumer is what today’s
technologies enable, and what defines our vision in the digital space,” said Mr
Rafiq.
Silicon Valley-based Luxe
has operated previously in a select number of major US cities, including San
Francisco, New York and Chicago. The service allowed drivers to drop off their
car at any point in the city, where a professional valet took care of finding a
secure parking spot, as well as fuelling and cleaning the car if the customer
desired.
Future looks bright for Volvo. Whether EV
technology or new battery technology Volvo is preparing us for their electric
vehicles in the future.
BRUCE HUBBARD
BONNIE LYNCH
J.B. WELKER
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
ROAD TRIPS
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