Volvo Cars has partnered with Google to develop a next-generation Android-based infotainment system that will be available in its vehicles within two years.
While current Volvo models already support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an infotainment system with the Android architecture already built-in would allow owners to use their favorite Android apps without having to connect a smartphone as they do currently. The next-gen system will still have Apple CarPlay capability for users with iOS devices.
“With the advent of Android we will embrace a rich ecosystem while keeping our iconic Volvo user interface. We will offer hundreds of popular apps and the best integrated experience in this broad, connected environment,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.
The partnership between Volvo and Google highlights the growing overlap between the automotive and technology industries as cars continue to become increasingly connected. Collaborating with Google will not only allow Volvo to increase the speed and stability of its in-car infotainment system but also to offer customers greater personalization options than ever before.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Volvo to bring Android into their next generation connected cars,” said Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android Engineering at Google. “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.”
Though Volvo is aiming for the new Android-based infotainment systems to become available in its cars within two years, the partnership with Google will bear fruit earlier than that. As part of an update to customers with Sensus Navigation, Volvo will add Google Local Search to its models to make it easier for drivers to find what they need in the area.