Since its launch in the summer of 2000, the Volvo S60 has evolved through 3 consecutive generations. The first, marketed until 2009, focused on safety. From 2010 to 2018, the 2nd generation, introducing a more modern design and advances in safety (City Safety system). Then, the third generation has been marketed since 2019, based on the SPA platform, offering new comfort and safety...
Today, navigation systems have become indispensable tools for Quebec drivers.
So, with the arrival of smartphones and the integration of Waze or Google Maps via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the navigation experience became even more pleasant and precise: real-time route calculation, avoidance of traffic jams, regular updates, and so on.
But despite a real evolution, there were still a few shortcomings, which have been corrected with the integration of Waze directly via your Volvo's Google Store.
In this article, we explain the changes this entails and which Volvo can benefit from them.
How did Waze work with Volvo?
Initially, to enjoy navigation on your Volvo, you have two choices:
- You can use the brand's navigation system
- You can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto by plugging in your smartphone
But both systems have their disadvantages. Firstly, Volvo's navigation system cannot benefit from real-time updates like Waze. Thanks to its community, which reports information on the road in real time (accidents, slowdowns, roadworks, etc.), Waze provides very precise information on traffic conditions.
Finally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not optimized for the Volvo's center screen. As a result, Waze took up insufficient space to take full advantage of the navigation system.
Why this new feature?
Driving on Quebec's main roads can be a real challenge for drivers. Between roadworks, bridges partially closed until 2025 and traffic slowdowns, the Swedish brand wants to offer the best possible experience behind the wheel of its vehicles.
As a result, Volvo has listened to feedback from customers who wanted a more pleasant, easy-to-read interface for everyday use.
What about Waze today?
From now on, all Volvo drivers will be able to benefit from the Waze navigation system without having to plug in their phone, while enjoying screen optimization adapted to the Volvo's vertical format.
"Benefiting from Waze's real-time navigation, guidance and real-time alerts seamlessly displayed in the car, without the need to connect your phone to the car, allows for a simplified driving experience" - Aron Di Castro, Director, Marketing and Partnerships at Waze
Who can benefit from this new feature?
To take advantage of this new free feature, your Volvo must include the Google system in its infotainment interface.
In concrete terms, Recharge models like the Volvo C40 produced in 2021 and all Volvo models produced from 2022 onwards can benefit from the Waze update in the Google store.
Learn more about the Google interface
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