One million updates installed and we're moving on: The implementation of over-the-air updates in Volvo cars continues in more markets around the world. Our latest update includes the ability to issue voice commands via Google Assistant-enabled devices, allowing drivers to preheat their cars. In the U.S. market, among other things, more Care Key technology features are being introduced, while expanding connectivity integration to additional markets and improving system stability.
Wireless upgrades are an important technology that helps us to realise our goal of continually making our cars better. In addition, they solidify our position as one of the industry leaders in remote software updates. Through wireless upgrades, there is no longer a need to visit a workshop to update with the latest software, which is particularly convenient.
Our eleventh major wireless update is expected to reach 350,000 customer cars around the world. This is the largest number of cars we have ever covered in a single update, and in total our wireless updates have reached more than one million recipients.
The total number of markets covered by the update has increased to 68, representing more than half of all the markets worldwide in which more than 95% Volvo cars are sold. At least 22 new markets have been added since our last wireless update.
"Thanks to wireless upgrades and fast-growing internal software development, we can create and implement new features and enrich the customer experience much faster than in the past." says Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Software Development.
"Hey Google, what is included in this update?"
So what do customers gain from the latest update? In the United States market, for cars that can receive wireless updates, we're launching controlled commands through Google Assistant, which allows seamless connectivity between Google devices and the car. Functions provided with this wireless upgrade include actions such as checking the battery charge level or fuel level, starting the climate control system and checking the car's charge status, or even starting or stopping charging - all through a simple, "Hey Google" command on your device. And, just with the onset of the winter cold, now you can even issue the command "Hey Google, warm up my car" without even having to take off your gloves.
The presentation of control commands through the Google Assistant reflects our commitment to provide our customers with a better car every day, adding more practicality and peace of mind, says the Alwin Bakkenes.
Although this feature is currently only available in the United States, for cars that can receive wireless updates, there are plans to expand it to other markets in the near future. The list of available commands will also continue to expand in the future.
The recent upgrade also includes the expansion of our Care Key technology. Introduced in 2021, Care Key enables you to easily limit the maximum speed in your car to even lower levels than the already built-in limit.
It's ideal, for example, when you want to lend your Volvo to other family members or less experienced drivers. Thanks to the Care Key, they'll be able to develop their driving skills, while you'll have peace of mind that they're driving at a safer speed.
We are introducing embedded connectivity in several European markets: in Greece, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovakia and Iceland. Customers enjoy seamless connectivity as the data plan is now embedded in their car's SIM card.
Another feature is a good example of how we use customer feedback to improve our cars. Some customers have asked us if we can make it easier to remove a connected device from the infotainment system. With the latest software update we have added a button to do this in the connected devices menu.
Finally, for the first time customers will also be able to see details of this wireless software upgrade (version 2.5) in the Volvo Cars app. The details of the software update in the smartphone app will be implemented gradually, so check what applies in your market.
