Eversheds Sutherland (International) has advised Autoliv, world leader in automotive safety systems, in forming joint venture “Zenuity” with Volvo Cars to develop new autonomous driving software. This marks the first time a premium car maker has joined forces with a tier one supplier to develop driverless vehicle technologies.

Zenuity will develop advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) technologies. Autoliv has made a total investment of approximately € 115m into the joint venture, which includes an initial cash contribution as well as intellectual property, expertise and personnel.

Zenuity started operations on 18 April 2017 at its headquarter in Gothenburg, Sweden, with additional operations in Munich, Germany, and Detroit, US. Zenuity’s initial workforce will include 300 people, comprised of existing personnel from Volvo Cars and Autoliv as well as new hires. The joint venture’s workforce is expected to grow to more than 600 employees in the medium term.

Alexander Niethammer, partner at Eversheds Sutherland in Munich, comments:

“The advice to Autoliv in regards of the Zenuity joint venture represents Eversheds Sutherland’s strong expertise in the automotive sector. We are therefore pleased to have supported this forward-looking technology co-operation in Germany and be part of a pioneering project in the digitization of the automotive sector.”

Autoliv has been advised on the German elements of the joint venture by an Eversheds Sutherland team with Munich commercial partner Alexander Niethammer leading. Further team members included: Sven Schweneke, Dr Christian Mense (both partners), Martin Sanftleben, Kinga Leyrer (both associates), Ender Can Senkaya (business lawyer, all corporate/M&A), Jörg Käßner (counsel, tax, all Munich), Dr Rolf Kowanz (partner), Merle Templin (principal associate), Fabian Schöniger (associate, all employment, all Hamburg), Philipp Turnwald (counsel), Dr Nicolas Mähner, Dominik Sailer (both associates, all real estate, all Munich).