Volvo will debut what its calling the “Connected Vehicle Cloud,” based on Ericsson’s Multiservice Delivery Platform, to provide drivers with in-car apps, infotainment and communication services. While specifics aren’t discussed, it’s logical to expect the service to deliver apps like Yelp and Pandora, common with other connected automakers.
In the words of Volvo’s senior vice president of product strategy and vehicle line management, Lex Kerssemakers, “We clearly see that cars in the near future will integrate the same level of digital services that consumers today are used to have in their homes or at work.”
Calling connectivity “a strategically important part of Volvo Cars’ investments for the future,” Kerssemakers was clear that Volvo intends on taking a leading role in this area. Partnering with a company like Ericsson, then, makes perfect sense, since both share a common vision of a networked society.
While Volvo will incorporate Ericsson’s Multiservice Delivery Platform on all future scalable product architecture vehicles, it will begin introducing connected car services in the short term, too. Ultimately, Volvo hopes to be a leader in the field, but it’s already starting from the back of the pack.