Volvo and ECARX set to develop next-generation infotainment for Geely Group

Swedish automaker Volvo, together with ECARX, is set to develop a next-generation infotainment system that’s to be fitted on models under the Geely Group. The joint venture is expected to become operational in the third quarter of 2021.

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ECARX was founded in Hangzhou, China back in 2016, and it holds an expertise in developing Android-based infotainment systems for cars. Notably, it already had several projects with other automotive brands under the Geely group, including Proton and Lynk & Co.

It is said that the new infotainment system is expected to be an improved version of the existing Android-based infotainment system that’s currently installed on most Volvo models. The new system is set to have different user interfaces unique to each brand. Furthermore, it will also include a common system across different brands that should make it easier for third-party software developers to launch new apps.

This joint venture is set to be led by the head of Volvo's R&D operations in China, Jan-Erik Larsson, and will also be based in Volvo's hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. This project shall help speed up technology development, improve cost efficiency, and create new revenue streams

Through this joint venture, we can speed up development of the system, bring high quality infotainment to more cars and maximise incentives for companies and developers to create great services and apps for the users of the platform.

Henrik Green
Head of R&D at Volvo

Given this development, we can anticipate a more engaging and seamless infotainment system on Geely vehicles. While the GKUI infotainment system does boast in terms of user-friendliness and refinement, there is still some room for improvements that could be addressed. One good example would be the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite that, though, the current head unit on Geely vehicles does come with QDLink which should still enable the driver to integrate his/her phone to the infotainment system. That said, we could probably expect an improved infotainment system on its upcoming models.