In-Car Tech

Volvo rolling out its new Android-powered infotainment system to more models

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Mar 9, 2021, 12:29 pm

Volvo and Google have partnered on a new infotainment system.

Photo courtesy of Volvo Car USA

Volvo's new Android-powered infotainment technology, which was built in partnership with Google, will begin making its way into new Volvo cars and SUVs from 2022.

That date is important. It's the beginning of the company's broader portfolio update, which includes the new Volvo XC90. Volvo says that the tech will eventually make it into the XC60 and S90 as well, signaling the company's commitment to those nameplates.

The Android system has Google apps and services built in. It's designed to give users the same experience that they get from using an Android phone, only hands-free. The Volvo XC40 Recharge was the first Volvo to carry the system. The new C40 Recharge will have it as well.

Volvo's Android infotainment system

Volvo Android infotainment interface

Photo courtesy of Volvo Car USA

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Volvo's Digital Services package includes access to Google apps and services (including Google Maps), the Volvo On Call app, and wireless phone charger. The package also gives users all the data required to run the services. Some of these features vary based on market.

Last year, Volvo announced an expansion of its Volvo On Call app, adding Digital Service Booking and Roadside Assistance to the portfolio. The booking services allows users to schedule service with their dealership via app. The Roadside Assistance allows users to request assistance and then track the service vehicle's progress much like Uber users can track their arriving ride.

The new infotainment system uses Google Assistant to control the car's temperature, set a destination in the navigation system, play music and podcasts, and send messages. Owers can manage their music and media apps by utilizing the Google Play store.

In addition to the new infotainment system, the XC60, S90, and V90 are also equipped with Volvo's lates advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). There are also new exterior paint color and interior upholstery options for the coming model years, including a leather-free option in all 60 series models.

2022 Volvo C40 Recharge

2022 Volvo C40 Recharge
Photo courtesy of Volvo Car USA
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Volvo recently announced its intent to become an all-electric vehicle company by 2030. They also have a plan to sell vehicles exclusively online and slim down their product options.

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New Car

Redesigned 11th-generation Honda Civic breaks cover ahead of official debut

The 11th-generaiton Honda Civic Sedan has broken cover.

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co.

Marie was a little bit country and Donny was a little bit rock and roll. The design of the redesigned 2022 Honda Civic Sedan looks a little bit modern and a little bit vintage - and it's all a heck of a lot less polarizing than the previous generation.

Today Honda has offered the first official fully lighted glimpse of the 11th-generation Civic, which is set to officially debut April 28. The design of the model was previewed last year with the Civic Prototype.

2022 Honda Civic Prototype The 2022 Honda Civic Prototype showed off a nearly production-ready design late last year. Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc

Honda openly admits that the look of the new Civic was inspired by the last. Head into the trove of internet photos of the fourth- and fifth-generation Civic to see parallels in design. Honda said that designers upheld Honda's human-centric design philosophy in the new model while also increasing the safety.

The result is a car that looks very much like a sedan but still retains sporty attributes. It also looks more like the Accord in this generation than the last. In the photo provided by Honda, the new Civic is in Touring trim level form.

Honda said that the car's interior design, which they haven't shown photos of yet, is "uncluttered", has "simple ergonomics", and delivers "exceptional visibility".

The 2022 Civic will arrive on dealership lots this summer.

Also this summer, the Honda Civic Tour will return for its 20th season. There will be two stops on the virtual tour that will be livestreamed on the Honda Stage YouTube channel. The first event will start at 5:00 p.m. PT, on April 28. The virtual concert event on Twitch will also give Civic Tour fans a special first look at the all-new 2022 Honda Civic Sedan around 6:00 p.m. PT, leading into the performance.

As previously announced, the all-new Civic Hatchback will follow Civic Sedan production by several months. Details about Civic Hatchback, to be manufactured by Honda in the United States for the first time in its history, will follow later this year. The Civic Hatchback will be built at the company's Indiana auto plant.

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Such a Tease

Lexus teases refreshed 2022 ES ahead of its April 18 reveal

The 2022 Lexus ES will debut next week.

Photo courtesy of Lexus

The meat and potatoes of the Lexus sedan lineup, the ES, is due for a refresh, and it will get one. The 2022 Lexus ES will be shown publicly for the first time this Sunday as part of the festivities of the Shanghai auto show.

While the photo doesn't tell a lot, there's some things you can bet on in the 2022 ES. For starters, look for all the improvements that the auto has gotten over the last two years to carry over into the new model. That includes the addition of all-wheel drive to the lineup and standard blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

The ES Black Line may not make its way to the 2022 version of the midsize sedan. Generally, blacked out editions are available only at the tail end of a model run ahead of a refresh or generational redesign. However, the blacked out elements could become available as part of a package.

The headlight photo that Lexus has offered as a teaser shows a housing that is not dissimilar to the one that the Lexus IS wears. However, the daytime running light is on the bottom here, instead off the top. Like the IS, there are strong hood lines.

At the back, the preview video shows a vehicle that is very similar to the current model. It's taillights, a strong chrome line that runs the width of the year, and rear lip spoiler all look mostly same as before.

As for what to expect underneath the body of the car, there's not a lot of indication from the teasers, which leads one to believe that's where the biggest changes are coming. There's a good chance that we'll finally say goodbye to the Lexus touch pad in favor of a touch screen display that's within a comfortable distance.

It's also likely that Lexus will fine tune the dynamics of the ES in a similar fashion to how the Lexus IS got more performance-focused driving dynamics in its latest redo.

Stay tuned for more specifics are the curtain is pulled back on April 19 in China (April 18 in the U.S.).

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