Volvo, Ericsson Partner on Web Services for Vehicles

Volvo Car Group and Swedish telecommunications giant LM Ericsson have agreed to develop Internet-based automotive services for use in Volvo vehicles worldwide.

The partners envision cloud-based applications and services such as infotainment and navigation that Volvo owners will access through Ericsson's "multiservice delivery platform." Drivers also will be able to download applications and book services online from their vehicles. Ericsson will manage the service globally.

Volvo declares it wants to take a leading position in vehicle connectivity but offers no timetable for doing so.

The company says some of the new services its is developing with Ericsson will debut ahead of a switch to next-generation vehicles that ride on Volvo's new scalable product architecture. The first model to use the new platform will be the XC90 crossover due by the end of 2014.