Volvo is partnering with Google to develop the next generation of its in-car infotainment and connectivity solution based on Android.
It will offer access to a wide array of apps and services.
The partnership promises to revolutionise how Volvo customers engage and interact with their cars. The large catalogue of popular Android apps – developed by Google, Volvo, or third party app developers – will offer connected and predictive services in and around the car.
The new technology is expected to be available for new Volvo models within two years.
“We are making an important strategic step with the Google partnership,” Volvo Car Group research and development senior vice president Henrik Green says.
Volvo’s partnership with Google reflects the ongoing convergence between the automotive and technology industries as cars become increasingly connected. Smart partnerships are the future for the car industry, Volvo believes. Using Android as the base operating system will increase speed and flexibility in development and offer its customers the ability to personalise the connected in-car experience.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to deliver a more seamless experience to Volvo drivers through a full-featured infotainment platform and rich ecosystem of Android applications and Google services,” Google Android Engineering vice president Patrick Brady says.
Volvo is also collaborating with Google on another initiative to update recent Volvo models by adding Google Local Search, a location based service application. This will be released through an update to customers with Sensus Navigation.
Further details on the partnership and Android OS will be announced at Google’s annual tech show, Google I/O, in California on May 17-19.
