Volvo Cars Will Get Google Gemini AI This Year, Even Before Mercedes, BMW, Audi Or Others

As part of the partnership, Volvo Cars will now serve as one of Google’s reference hardware platforms for Android Automotive OS development. This means Google will use Volvo vehicles to test new features and updates before they are added to the main Android codebase.

This arrangement allows Volvo Cars to receive early access to Android features and performance changes. The collaboration is intended to support faster development and deployment of connected systems across the vehicle software ecosystem.

Through this role as a reference platform, Volvo drivers will be among the first to use upcoming Android Automotive OS features. The updates will be available in Volvo vehicles with Google built-in systems before wider rollout to other vehicle manufacturers.

Using Google Gemini AI assistant drivers will be able to use to compose and translate messages, access information from the vehicle’s manual and ask location-related questions using voice commands. This system is designed to allow voice-based interaction without requiring physical input while driving. The addition of this system will allows drivers to access multiple features without taking their eyes off the road. Hence this utility feature also enhances the safety and can be considered as a modern equivalent of seat-belt in a technology driven world.

Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android for Cars, Google, “For years, Google and Volvo Cars have collaborated closely to bring cutting-edge technology to connected cars. We're excited to deepen this partnership, accelerating the pace of innovation that will not only improve the driving experience for Volvo customers but also set new benchmarks for the automotive industry”.

Alwin Bakkenes, head of global software engineering at Volvo Cars, “We strive to deliver human-centric technology, and a stunning customer experience is an essential part of this. Through this partnership with Google, we are able to bring the very latest features and capabilities from the leading consumer eco-system into our products first. With our expanding partnership, we’re collaborating on cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of connected cars”.