June 19 (Reuters) - Swedish electric vehicle (EV) maker Polestar said on Monday it had formed a joint venture with Xingji Meizu to build an operating system for Polestar cars sold in China that will offer the latest smart technologies in its vehicles.
The venture represents a further push by the Geely group (GEELY.UL) to adapt cars specifically for Chinese consumers.
The Swedish group said it would own 49% of the JV and Xingji Meizu 51%, providing $98 million and $102 million in funding respectively.
Xingji Meizu has grown over the last decade in its attempt to become a Chinese rival to Android, but holds a marginal market share.
Traditional carmakers have come under pressure from Chinese EV makers offering lower prices and smart consumer-facing technologies.
Persons:
Polestar, Xingji, Li Shufu, Thomas Ingenlath, Xingji Meizu, Ingenlath, Marie Mannes, Elaine Hardcastle, Jan Harvey
Organizations:
Volvo, JV, Reuters, Google, EV, Thomson
Locations:
Swedish, China, U.S