Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
Volvo Cars and Google are working together to shape a new generation of driving experiences by combining automotive engineering with artificial intelligence.
At the Google I/O conference the two companies presented a world-first demonstration of Google Gemini integrated with vehicle cameras in the Volvo EX60.
This collaboration allows Gemini, with the driver’s consent, to interpret the car’s surroundings in real time. The system can recall road signs, understand lane markings or provide information about nearby landmarks and restaurants.
Parking is a clear example of its potential. By reading and interpreting signage instantly, the technology helps drivers understand restrictions, permits, time limits or charging rules, removing uncertainty about whether a space is valid.
Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Global Software Engineering at Volvo Cars, explained that the EX60 provides an ideal platform for exploring contextually aware driving. He emphasised that working closely with Google enables faster and more collaborative integration of AI into the automotive environment.
The Gemini model’s multi-modal understanding, combined with the EX60’s neural processing engine and software-defined architecture, makes these features possible. This represents an early glimpse of how contextually aware AI could become part of everyday driving in the future.
Volvo will also be among the first manufacturers to introduce Immersive Navigation from Google Maps. This new 3D view brings routes to life with redesigned buildings, tunnels and overpasses, making complex roads easier to interpret. The feature is particularly useful in dense urban areas where visibility is limited by skyscrapers and intersections.
Immersive Navigation also enhances voice guidance. Drivers will hear instructions that reference real-world landmarks, such as “Take the next left after the library,” aligning spoken directions with what they see on the road. This approach makes navigation more intuitive and reduces the risk of confusion.
Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android for Cars at Google, highlighted the significance of the partnership. He noted that Gemini will allow drivers to learn more about their surroundings while on the move, while Immersive Navigation represents Google Maps’ most substantial update in over a decade.
The Volvo EX60, EX90 and ES90 will be the first models to feature Immersive Navigation. Together, these developments reflect the ongoing collaboration between Volvo Cars and Google, aimed at shaping the next generation of in-car intelligence.
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
Nissan has introduced the Tekton, a new compact SUV for the South African market. The model is built on the Renault‑Nissan alliance’s CMF‑B platform and is closely related to the Renault Duster, sharing engines and mechanical components.
At the recent DealerCon 2026, hosted by Cars.co.za automotive excellence was celebrated by honouring top executives in the automotive retails industry.
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