To bring the latest Android Automotive OS features to Volvo owners more quickly, Volvo Cars and Google have expanded their partnership. This collaboration includes the integration of AI assistant Google Gemini, which they showcased together in the Volvo EX90 at Google I/O 2025, and Volvo cars will now serve as one of Google’s reference hardware platforms for future Android development in vehicles.
“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,” said Patrick Brady, VP of Android for Cars, Google.
With the upcoming launch of Google Gemini in vehicles, drivers of Volvos with Google built-in will be among the first to access the latest conversational AI technology.
Gemini in the car is designed to understand natural conversations, enabling drivers to perform tasks such as composing and translating messages, asking questions from the car’s user manual or getting information about a destination. This helps reduce cognitive load and supports driver focus by minimizing distractions.
Gemini will replace the current Google Assistant in Volvo models with Google built-in later this year.
As part of the expanded partnership, Volvo cars will serve as one of Google’s reference hardware platforms for Android development in vehicles. Google will work with Volvo as a lead development partner to test and refine new features and updates before they are added to the main Android codebase. This collaboration will enable faster innovation in connected car technologies and ensure Volvo drivers are among the first to access the latest Android features. It also supports broader progress in connected vehicle development across the automotive industry.
Alwin Bakkenes, head of global software engineering at Volvo Cars, said, “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 ecosystem into our products first. With our expanding partnership, we’re collaborating on cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of connected cars.”
In related news, Volvo announced two main tech upgrades earlier this year for the XC40, EX40, EC40, V60 and V90 models. Click here to read the full story
