Hackers steal research data from Sweden’s Volvo Cars

Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars said Friday that hackers had stolen research and development data from its systems in a cyberattack.

The company, owned by China’s Geely, “has become aware that one of its file repositories has been illegally accessed by a third party,” it said.

“Investigations so far confirm that a limited amount of the company’s R&D property has been stolen during the intrusion,” Volvo added.

While it warned that “there may be an impact on the company’s operation” from the hack, it said there was likely no “impact on the safety or security of its customers’ cars or their personal data”.

Goteborg-based Volvo is currently pumping cash into electrifying its entire range by 2030.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for further information on the hack.

Its shares were down around 1.7% in afternoon trading in Stockholm, at 73.82 crowns (US$8.13, 7.20 euros).

Volvo Cars separated from truck manufacturer Volvo Group in 1999, before being bought by Geely in 2010.