Volvo Car UK has imprved further its top range of cars with the addition of Android Auto.

• Android Auto joins existing Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
• Allows users to access their Android phone’s functions directly from the car’s Sensus infotainment system
• Available now on all S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90 models

Volvo Car UK has further improved its in-car connectivity with the introduction of Android Auto smartphone integration to its range-topping 90 series models.

Android Auto, which is now available as part of a new Smartphone Integration package that also includes Apple CarPlay, allows users of Android smartphones to connect their device directly to their Volvo’s Sensus media system. 

A wide range of Android-optimised apps – including Google Maps and Google Play Music – are then available directly via the car’s touch screen. Users can also make and receive calls, and send and receive text messages using Android Auto. 

Alternatively, these functions can be controlled using the car’s or the phone’s sophisticated voice control system, so users can stay connected while keeping their eyes safely on the road at all times.

Thanks to the touch screen’s large size and portrait layout, the Android Auto apps are displayed in the bottom section of the screen, leaving the top of the screen free to display the car’s other main functions, further enhancing the system’s ease of use.

Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “It’s more important than ever for our customers to stay connected while on the move. Our Apple CarPlay integration was already the best in the business, and the introduction of Android Auto brings our class-leading smartphone integration to a whole new audience.”

Smartphone Integration includes a second USB socket and is available now on the S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90, priced at £300. Existing owners of these models (those built after April 2016) who already have Apple CarPlay can benefit from a complimentary upgrade to Smartphone Integration as part of their car’s routine servicing schedule at an authorised Volvo dealership.

Android Auto is available on any Android smartphone running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher.

For more information on the Volvo range and Android Auto, please visit www.volvocars.com/uk/about/our-innovations/connected-car/smartphone-integration

Seven-seat Volvo XC90 SUV voted Car Dealer Power Car of the Year 2016

• Seven-seat XC90 voted Car Dealer Power Car of the Year 2016
• Praised by both franchised and independent dealers across the UK
• Available with diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, priced from £46,850

The Volvo XC90 has been named the Car Dealer Power Car of the Year 2016, as voted for by dealers across the UK.

The Car Dealer Power Awards, held each year at a prestigious black-tie event at the top of the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, are the only awards where franchised and independent dealers get to have their say on what they think of suppliers and their manufacturers.

Car Dealer receives hundreds of responses from dealers throughout the UK, and the awards celebrate those voted best in the country by their customers.

Andy Entwistle, Managing Director of Blackball Media, publishers of Car Dealer, said: “When it was launched, the all-new XC90 shone as a ringing endorsement of the hard work Volvo has put into replacing what was already a very accomplished car, while also launching the brand into a new style direction.

“The Car of the Year category isn’t just about franchised dealers voting for their favourite car from their manufacturer; it also gives independent dealers a chance to say what they think is the best car out there. Car Dealer saw nominations from a variety of independents and franchise holders for the XC90, with one nomination quoting they felt ‘the new XC90 was easily best in its class’,” he added.

Jon Wakefield, Acting Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the XC90 has been recognised by dealers in the UK as their Car of the Year in the Car Dealer Power survey – it’s a testament to the car to have won such a respected industry award. To be voted for by both independent and franchise dealers alike demonstrates the huge popularity the XC90 has brought Volvo since its introduction to dealers in June last year.”

The award comes as Volvo Car UK announces its plans to invest in the UK motor trade industry with the launch of its Sponsored Dealer Programme. This gives talented motor trade professionals the opportunity to set up their own Volvo dealership, with support from Volvo Car UK, and become advocates of the brand.

Volvo Cars UK introduces a new initiative to give talented people the opportunity to set up and run their own dealerships.

• Volvo Car UK launches initiative for talented motor trade professionals to set up and run new dealerships
• Sponsored Dealers’ to integrate into the Volvo dealer network over the next three years

With 2015 marking Volvo Car UK’s most successful sales year for more than 20 years, and with the Swedish brand registering more than half a million cars globally for the first time in its history, Volvo Car UK (VCUK) is planning to further invest in the brand and its network of dealers with the launch of its Sponsored Dealer Programme.

While not a unique concept by the Swedish manufacturer, the Volvo Sponsored Dealer Programme is a first for Volvo in the UK and will play a pivotal part in meeting its target of 60,000 UK car sales by 2020.

Volvo will give talented motor trade professionals with a proven track record of running successful individual or small group dealerships the opportunity to set up their own Volvo dealership, with the support of Volvo Car UK. This support includes securing the site and providing backing that will enable the individual to access credit facilities that may otherwise be out of reach.

Volvo plans for six sponsored dealers to go live over the coming years, with work on the first dealership, located in the Midlands, already underway at a new-build site which incorporates the brand’s latest Scandinavian-inspired showroom design cues. Volvo will take on the leases for the properties and each site will be set up as a Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) dealer from day one.a

As part of Volvo’s human-centric approach, the dealers will be hand-picked and will gain ownership of a Volvo franchise. Volvo will support the dealership to nurture the business in line with brand strategy requirements and to support individuals in getting up to speed with operating a multi-million-pound business.

Following the hugely successful launch of Volvo’s all-new XC90, a positive reception for the S90 and V90, and the ongoing transformation of the brand, the Sponsored Dealer Programme provides a great opportunity to join the premium brand as it goes from strength to strength.

“The Sponsored Dealer Programme has been introduced to find talented motor trade business people who will become advocates of the Volvo brand at a truly exciting time for the company,” comments Phil Hand, Volvo Car UK’s Head of Network Development.

“Following the ongoing success of our Volvo Retail Experience initiative, with 12 dealers now operational, the Sponsored Dealer Programme is part of our move to continually improve the quality of our dealer network’s customer experience,” Phil Hand continues.

Volvo reported a six per cent year-on-year sales increase in 2015, and with a completely new Volvo range to be implemented within three years, the sponsored dealer sites will occupy territories that have the potential for growth to support the brand’s anticipated volume increases. 

DIESEL CAR AWARDS - Volvo takes the best 4x4 category 2015 with the All-New XC90

• Volvo XC90 takes Best 4x4 title in 2015 Diesel Car Magazine awards
• Judges praise car’s design, technology, engineering, refinement and driving dynamics
• Priced from £45,750, all-new XC90 arrives at UK dealers from next month

Swedish style, cutting-edge technology and class-leading refinement have seen the all-new Volvo XC90 beat its rivals to a prestigious UK award. Diesel Car Magazine has named the XC90 as Best 4x4 category winner in its 2015 Car of the Year awards.

Judges praised the Volvo’s engineering, driving dynamics, interior quality, powertrains and design, saying it was “perhaps the most significant new car in the company’s 88-year history.”

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “The XC90 is a true landmark for Volvo – indeed it represents the dawn of a new era for our brand in this country, so I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award.

“It’s a car we’re really proud of, and which has generated a lot of interest – and over 1,000 customer orders – even before it has officially arrived at UK dealers. It’s a great start to an exciting future for Volvo in the UK.”

Priced from £45,750, the all-new Volvo XC90 is available to order now and is built around a new Volvo designed and built platform and engine architecture that will underpin all next generation Volvo models.

It is available with a 225hp, four-cylinder D5 AWD diesel engine with CO₂ emissions from just 149g/km, returning up to 49.6mpg combined cycle fuel economy. Also available is a 320hp petrol engine option, plus a T8 Twin Engine variant that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for 49g/km CO₂ emissions and hybrid levels of fuel economy.

Announcing the award win, Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher of Diesel Car Magazine, said: “The first all-new car to be launched by Volvo using a totally fresh architecture, it’s obvious that no expense has been spared in search of excellence, with the introduction of all-new 2.0-litre powertrains, a fresh scalable platform, the very latest technology, together with a heavy dose of Swedish style for good measure".

“Elevated quality levels, class-leading refinement and economy, and a behind the wheel experience that is driver focussed, all contrive to create a vehicle that is at the pinnacle of the 4x4 class.”