Volvo Cars implements largest ever OTA Update, transforming customers' digital experience
Volvo Cars marks a milestone in the automotive industry by commencing the rollout of its most ambitious (OTA) software update to date. Starting this week, millions of drivers will benefit from Volvo Car UX, a completely revamped and more intuitive user experience that promises to redefine vehicle interaction.
This implementation will benefit approximately 2.5 million Volvo vehicles in 85 countries, delivering an optimized central screen design free of charge that streamlines and simplifies access to the most used functions.
"This update is not only one of the largest in automotive history in terms of OTA scale, but also the result of years of strategic investment in Volvo Cars' tech stack, designed to improve the lives of millions of people with their cars," stated Anders Bell, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Volvo Cars. "Our new user experience offers significant improvements in the functions drivers use most, directly addressing their needs and desires."
Driver-Centric Innovation and Connected Experience
Volvo Car UX is based on the Android Automotive operating system and features Google services integrated as standard, developed with a specific philosophy: to make the driver's life easier.
Key improvements include:
- Instant Access to Essentials: The most common apps and controls, such as maps, media content, and phone, are consolidated on the home screen, reducing the number of steps to access critical functions. Drivers will no longer have to exit Google Maps to change music, for example.
- Intelligent Contextual Bar: A new contextual bar that dynamically adapts to the driving situation, displaying recently used apps or relevant functions, such as exterior cameras for low-speed maneuvers.
- Simplified Plug-in Hybrid Management: For PHEV models, the new UX facilitates access to drive modes, such as 'Pure' (electric), which is now just one tap away from the home screen, maximizing the use of the electric powertrain.
This update, which will reach Volvo vehicles with Google built-in manufactured as early as 2020**, reflects Volvo Cars' commitment to continuously improve its products through software. Volvo Car UX establishes a contemporary and consistent design philosophy across all models, ensuring that a three-year-old XC40 offers an experience as relevant as that of a latest-generation EX90.
Additionally, the update prepares vehicles for an optimal conversational artificial intelligence experience with Google Gemini, whose arrival to the same eligible cars is expected this spring.
Important Notes:
- Applicable to vehicles in China and South Korea that have adapted local infotainment systems and provide equivalent functionality.
- ** Includes C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country, and XC90 with Android operating system. OTA installation of regular software updates is provided free of charge, provided that vehicles have been updated with the latest software versions on a regular basis and customers have an active data connection. Otherwise, customers may need to visit an authorized Volvo Cars service center, which may incur a cost.
- OTA update availability will vary by market and model year.
- Google, Google Play, Google Gemini, and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
About Volvo Car Group
Volvo Cars was founded in 1927. Today, it is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales to customers in more than 100 countries. Volvo Cars is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, where it is traded under the ticker “VOLCAR B”.
"For life. To provide freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way." This purpose is reflected in Volvo Cars' ambition to become a fully electric car maker and in its commitment to an ongoing reduction of its carbon footprint, with the ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
About Volvo Car Latin America
The Latin America Importers region, comprising 12 countries, delivered a solid performance in 2025. Total sales reached 5,467 units, driven by the successful introduction of the new EX90 and EX30 Cross Country. The region also achieved its highest level of electrification to date, with 98% of the portfolio electrified, including 67% fully electric vehicles (BEV) and 31% plug-in hybrids (PHEV), reflecting Volvo Cars’ ongoing commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility.
This performance reinforces Volvo’s position in the premium segment and strengthens its regional relevance, with the brand ranking among the top three premium brands by market share in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay.