Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has invited start-ups from across the UK to join its new ‘open innovation centre’ – aiming to bring the next generation of automotive technology into its future cars.
Automaker says it wants to forge new collaborations with “like-minded” start-ups, scale-ups and external companies to develop upgrades in electrification, connectivity, digital services , metaverse and more.
The hub was created in partnership with the investment company Plug and Play. Jaguar Land Rover has also created two similar arrangements with the Brazilians Cubo Itau and Firjan, which will provide access to the sphere of Latin American start-ups.
JLR aims to use the hubs to create new jobs and opportunities, with access to a “global ecosystem” of potential partners. This will allow the company to test new technologies and new business models. The operations will be located close to Jaguar Land Rover’s headquarters in Coventry.
This latest move by JLR is part of its recently announced Reimagine strategy, under which it plans to become “the creator of the world’s most desirable luxury vehicles for the most discerning customers”. It will also seek to achieve its goal of transforming Jaguar into an all-electric brand from 2025 and expanding its electric vehicle offering to the Land Rover brand.
“By collaborating with innovators and industry experts, the Open Innovation program will help the company identify digital services, products, tools and processes to reach its goal of net zero by 2039, while creating new value to the company,” company said.
JLR has already collaborated with a number of well-known brands, including US software giant Nvidia, which will help introduce increased connectivity and advanced autonomous driving functionality for all cars launched from 2025.
On top of that, talks are underway with Chinese battery supplier Envision AESC, which could see a new gigafactory set up in the UK. The batteries would then be used to power the cells of electric Range Rover and Land Rover models.
The automaker’s Executive Director of Strategy and Sustainability, Francois Dossa, said: “With the launch of the Open Innovation Platform, Jaguar Land Rover is examining the entire mobility and sustainability ecosystem to deliver unparalleled customer experience, shaping the future of our industry, and leading the way forward.
“We will explore everything from second-life batteries and the circular economy to new fintech, insurtech and digital services – all aligned with Jaguar Land Rover as proud creators of modern luxury.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-26 23:01:23
