Volvo Cars will integrate Google Assistant-enabled devices into its vehicles, the first automotive OEM to do so.
The announcement was made during this week’s CES 2022 and the planned direct integration will allow a seamless connection between Google Assistant and cars for the first time. This will allow Volvo drivers to control functions of their car by using voice commands to Google Assistant-enabled home and mobile devices.
Pairing a Volvo car with a Google account, drivers can talk to Google in their car and remotely control a variety of functions such as warming up a car on a cold day or locking the car. The available commands will continue to grow in the future as well, Volvo said.
Additionally, users can receive helpful information about the car remotely at any time, which could help in a planned charging schedule.
“Volvo Car Group was first to introduce Google technology and services in our cars and we are now looking to be the first to integrate fully with Google Assistant-enabled devices — it is a natural next step in our partnership with Google,” said Henrik Green, chief product officer at Volvo Cars. “This integration allows us to improve the customer experience immensely, as it gives customers the possibility to easily and securely manage their car while at home or on the go, through any personal device that has Google Assistant.”
Electrification support
Volvo said the integration of Google Assistant will help with its move toward full electrification as it aims to introduce features that can help users reach the full carbon emission potential of electric Volvo cars.
As part of this, Volvo aims to make the charging more convenient and productive to get drivers back on the road and reduce any lingering range anxiety.
The functionality of Google Assistant in Volvo cars will be made in the coming months with an infotainment package powered by Android that is connected to the Volvo app and a Google Assistant-enabled device.
