Geely’s Volvo Cars has announced a “close partnership” with Google to develop the next generation of Android based infotainment and connectivity which will launch on new models within two years.
The automaker said the partnership “promises to revolutionise how 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.”
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“We are making an important strategic step with the 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, head of research and development at Volvo Car Group.
Volvo said the partnership with Google “reflects the ongoing convergence between the automotive and technology industries as cars become increasingly connected”, adding it “believes smart partnerships are the future for the car industry. Using Android as the base operating system will increase speed and flexibility in the development, and enable [us] to offer its customers the ability to personalise the connected in-car experience.”
“With the advent of Android, we will offer hundreds of popular apps and the best integrated experience in this broad, connected environment,” added Green.
Volvo is also collaborating with Google on another initiative to update recent models by adding Google Local Search, a location-based service application. This will be released through an update to customers with Sensus Navigation.
