Volvo to use Ericsson's cloud solution in its vehicles

The technology will allow drivers, passengers access navigation, entertainment services in the car

Ericsson, a provider of communications technology and services, said Volvo Car Group would use its Connected Vehicle Cloud, which allow drivers and passengers to connect to services available in the cloud.

Drivers and passengers will be able to access applications for information, navigation, and entertainment from a screen in the car.

At the same time, Volvo Cars will be able to open parts of the platform to other players in the eco-system of the automotive industry.

Content providers will have agreements with Volvo and the other members of the ecosystem, like Internet radio providers, road authorities, cities’ governments, toll-road operators and others, Ericsson said in a statement.

Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars, said, “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. This is a strategically important part of Volvo’s investments for the future where we intend to take a leading position.”

The partnership calls for Ericsson to perform systems integration of the solution with Volvo Car Group IS/IT environments and in-vehicle systems. Ericsson will also provide managed services for a global cloud solution with a secure connection between the vehicle and all players in the value chain and in the ecosystem.

Per Borgklint, Head of Business Unit Support Systems, Ericsson, said, “This partnership is evidence of the transformation across our entire society as we move into the Networked Society.  Drivers want services that technology makes possible, in real time and in the context that fits them personally. Our skills in System Integration and Service Enablement will match Volvo's strategy.”

Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud targets the existing and future demands on scalability, security and flexibility in the global automotive industry.