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Volvo and Siemens have announced a strategic partnership to develop electric vehicle drive technology, power electronics and charging technology.

The first electric Volvo C30 models with Siemens electric motors will be on the test tracks this year, and late in 2012 Volvo plans to build 200 vehicles for a Siemens internal test fleet.

The deal gives Siemens a toehold in the expanding automotive electric drive arena, and provides Volvo with a partner experienced in electric drive technology as it moves into the production of electric vehicles.

"We are very happy to have Siemens as a partner," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volvo. "Their world-leading knowledge and experience will bring the technology in our electric cars up to an entirely new level. We are moving ahead quickly in this area. Our aim is to be first with the latest technology within electrification. The partnership reinforces our aim to pursue the fast-growing market for electric cars."

Siemens board member Siegfried Russwurm said: "It is our long-term goal to establish Siemens as a global system provider both inside and outside of electric vehicles. We see ourselves as a comprehensive electric mobility pioneer."

Volvo begins small-scale production of the Volvo C30 Electric this year, and will launch a V60 Plug-in Hybrid in 2012.

"This means that we are moving from prototypes and small volumes towards series production, starting with the plug-in hybrid. Our upcoming new Scalable Platform Architecture paves the way for electrification throughout our model range," said Stefan Jacoby.