Volvo Cars and Google have expanded their long-standing partnership to accelerate the delivery of Android Automotive OS innovations to Volvo models equipped with Google built-in.
The agreement announced today makes Volvo vehicles one of Google’s reference hardware platforms for future Android development in cars.
Under the latest agreement, Volvo will adopt Google Gemini, the latest conversational AI technology shown at Google I/O 2025 in a Volvo EX90, replacing the existing Google Assistant later this year.
Gemini in-car features will allow drivers to engage in natural dialogue to compose messages, translate text into other languages before sending, query the car’s user manual and request information about destinations.
Google said these capabilities aim to reduce cognitive load and minimise distractions, thereby improving driving safety.
Patrick Brady, vice president of Android for Cars at Google, said the expanded partnership was a means to “set new benchmarks for the automotive industry” by delivering cutting-edge technology and improving the driving experience for Volvo customers.
Volvo Cars global software engineering head Alwin Bakkenes said the agreement would enable the brand to integrate the “very latest features and capabilities from the leading consumer ecosystem” directly into its products.
As a reference hardware platform, Volvo will work closely with Google to test and refine new features and updates before they are merged into the main Android Automotive codebase.
This collaboration promises that Volvo drivers would be among the first to get forthcoming Android enhancements and performance improvements.
Google and Volvo also said their joint development efforts would spur wider advances across the connected car sector, benefiting drivers and manufacturers worldwide.
Availability of Gemini, Android updates and associated services may vary by market, Volvo Cars added.
