Volvo set to be first carmaker to integrate Google's Gemini

Just bought a Volvo, or planning to buy a new one soon? Your artificial voice (AI) assistance is set to get even smarter still.

Volvo Cars has announced an expanded partnership with Google that will soon see the latter's Gemini AI integrated into its cars. The news was first announced at the Google I/O 2025, where a Volvo EX90 was on hand to showcase the technology.

Gemini is set to succeed Google Assistant in Volvo's latest cars running Android Automotive OS (Pictured: Dashboard of Volvo EX90)

Volvo Cars and Google have shared a deep technical partnership for a number of years now, with Volvo's latest-generation cars all running Android Automotive OS as their native infotainment system.

Whereas Google Assistant has served thus far as the in-car butler, however, Gemini will soon assume its position as the smart assistant on board.

The new development is expected to expand the range of functions owners can tap on while onboard, thanks to Gemini's enhanced AI capabilities. Volvo has stated that Gemini can better understand what occupants want while driving through more natural conversations, and more naturally crafted messages. It can also learn specific details about your destination, and translate messages into other languages before sending them. The overarching goal? To "reduce cognitive load... reducing distractions for everyone onboard."

The latest news makes Volvo the first carmaker to integrate Gemini into its vehicles' operating systems. The AI space in the automotive market has thus far been quite varied; other rivals, including Audi and Volkswagen, rely on OpenAI's ChatGPT, while BMW has inked partnerships with both Amazon (for Alexa) and Alibaba Group in China. 

The expanded partnership will also see Volvo cars serving as one of the reference hardware platforms for Google's development work on its Android Automotive OS. This means that the latter will tap on Volvo Cars as a lead development partner for new features and updates, before adding them to the main Android codebase.

Additionally, the partnership will allow Volvo drivers to continue to be among the first to enjoy the latest Android features and performance enhancements.