Volvo Cars launches major OTA software update

Volvo Cars is rolling out a new user experience to around 2.5 million vehicles across 85 countries, which the automaker describes as one of the largest over-the-air software updates in automotive history. The update, called Volvo Car UX, will reach cars with Google built-in dating back to 2020 models free of charge.

The new layout for the central display reduces the number of taps required to reach the most-used features, with maps, media and phone apps presented on the home screen. A contextual bar changes according to the driving situation, displaying recently used apps and showing outside camera icons when manoeuvring at low speeds.

For plug-in hybrid drivers, the update makes it easier to access Pure mode for electric-only driving via a single tap from the home screen. The update also prepares cars for a conversational AI experience with Google Gemini, which Volvo says will arrive later this spring.

In a statement, Anders Bell, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Volvo Cars, said: “This update is one of the largest over-the-air updates in automotive history, leveraging years of investment in Volvo Cars’ tech stack to improve life with their cars for millions of people.”

Eligible models include the C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90 with the Android operating system.

Source: Volvo Cars