May 22 2025 – At the recent Google I/O Developer Conference, Google unveiled its plans to integrate the AI chatbot Gemini across a wide range of devices, and the automotive sector was among the key targets. Volvo Cars has now stepped forward, declaring its ambition to be the first automaker to bring this cutting-edge technology into its vehicles.
Volvo announced that it would be expanding its long – standing partnership with Google by incorporating Gemini into its entire vehicle lineup. As one of the early adopters of Google’s built – in Android Automotive operating system, Volvo sees this integration as a significant step forward. In the future, drivers will be able to engage in more “natural” conversations with their vehicles. They can rely on Gemini for functions such as language translation, navigation assistance, and locating specific destinations. Moreover, they can even ask the AI assistant questions from the vehicle’s user manual. Volvo views this as a means to reduce the “cognitive load” on drivers, allowing them to focus more on the road.
Earlier this month, Google had mentioned that it would extend Gemini to cars supporting Android Auto. However, there will be a slight time difference in the rollout. Android Auto users will get access to Gemini in the coming weeks, while vehicles equipped with the Android Automotive system will have to wait until later this year.
It is understood that both drivers and passengers will be able to use Gemini for a variety of tasks, such as sending text messages, getting navigation directions, and playing music. Essentially, Gemini will support all the features that Google Assistant currently offers. The main distinction lies in the fact that users no longer need to use rigid, mechanical commands. Instead, they can leverage Gemini’s natural language processing capabilities to carry out operations.
In addition, Volvo is set to become one of the reference hardware platforms for Google’s future automotive technology development and testing. This means that Volvo vehicles will be the first to receive new features and updates from Google. These features will be tested and applied on Volvo vehicles before being integrated into the main Android codebase.
Volvo and Google have maintained a close collaboration over the years. Volvo has been among the first automakers to receive product updates from Google, including features like high – definition maps, built – in YouTube, and voice – controlled air – conditioning systems. Volvo’s premium brand, Polestar, was the first to launch cars with the native Android Automotive OS.
Google positions Gemini as a collaborative partner for the core components of vehicle operating systems. Ben Sagmoe, a Google Developer Relations Engineer, wrote on the Android Developer Blog, “Navigation apps can integrate with Gemini through three core intent formats, enabling functions such as initiating navigation, displaying relevant search results, and performing custom operations. For instance, users can report traffic congestion events through voice commands.”
This integration of Gemini into Volvo vehicles is expected to bring about a new era of intelligent driving experiences, making the interaction between humans and vehicles more intuitive and efficient.
