Volvo partners Google to build Android into its cars

Premium carmaker Volvo has announced a partnership with Google to develop the next generation of its in-car infotainment and connectivity solution based on Android, offering access to a wide array of apps and services. It will launch on new Volvo models within two years.

Using Android as the base operating system will increase speed and flexibility in the development and offer its customers the ability to personalise the connected in-car experience. Volvo Cars’ partnership with Google reflects the ongoing convergence between the automotive and technology industries as cars become increasingly connected. Volvo believes smart partnerships are the future for the car industry.

Volvo says 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.

“We are making an important strategic step with the Google partnership. Google’s platform and services will enhance the user experience by enabling more personalisation possibilities, while Android will offer increased flexibility from a development perspective,” said Henrik Green, senior vice-president (research & development) at Volvo Car Group.

“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” said Patrick Brady, vice-president of Android Engineering at Google.

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 on May 17.