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Polestar, Volvo's high-performance, electric spinoff brand, is encouraging developers who work with Google's Android mobile operating system to develop new in-car entertainment and information apps. The announcement was made at the Google I/O developer conference in California this week, just after Polestar gave its new '2' fastback (a rival to Tesla's Model 3) its official US market unveiling.
Ahead of his speech at Google I/O, Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar, commented: "The Android platform which we have introduced in Polestar 2 has so much potential for innovation that we immediately identified the chance to engage with the developer community.
"Together with Google, our own digital team has created an exciting interface in the car, and we know that this system will enable great opportunities. We look forward to inspiring new ideas that could make the digital experience in Polestar 2 even better."
Polestar says that its 2 is one of the first cars in the world to feature the new Android-based infotainment system. As with Volvo's recent models, that system is accessed through a dramatic-looking portrait-style screen mounted in the centre of the dashboard. Allowing independent developers to come up with apps to be used in-car is an interesting move; doubtless there will be concerns over privacy and vehicle security, but presumably Polestar will be thoroughly vetting and beta-testing the apps before they're released to potential buyers.
Polestar will shortly begin selling its '1' model - a chunky coupe, based on the Volvo S90 saloon, powered by a 600hp plug-in hybrid powertrain - to customers shortly. Initially, at least, the brand will not have any conventional dealers, but will operate from city-centre and shopping-centre outlets, and it plans to largely lease its cars on rolling contracts to customers, rather than outright purchases.
The all-electric 2 will go on sale later this year, with a potential 500km one-charge range. Plans for sales in Ireland have not yet been finalised.