Volvo Trucks and Alexa: An Interview between Samuel Nerdal, Product Manager Electrical and Electronics, and Arianne Walker, Chief Evangelist for Alexa Auto

Arianne Walker Dec 09, 2020
Automotive Alexa Built-in

Walker: Volvo Trucks just announced that Alexa will be coming to your heavy-duty trucks in Spring 2021.

Nerdal: Yes, Alexa will be available with our four newest heavy-duty truck models: Volvo FH, Volvo FH16, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, providing a helpful friend for truck drivers as they spend a lot of time in their Volvo trucks.   

Walker: Each Alexa integration is a little bit unique. What is unique about Alexa and Volvo Trucks?

Nerdal:  When our truck drivers are on the road, the new series of Volvo heavy-duty trucks is their home away from home. Our trucks come with a new, flexible user interface and more space so that drivers can comfortably spend their work days in the cab. Now with Alexa Built-in it is easier to do things like listen to an audiobook before going to bed in the cab or receive the morning news briefing.

Walker: Why was it important to you to integrate Alexa into heavy duty Volvo trucks?

Nerdal: We have developed Volvo characteristics such as ergonomics, comfort and safety and we want to combine them with innovative technology, such as Alexa, to create an even more attractive and productive driver environment.

Walker: What will your customers be most excited about?

Nerdal: With Alexa voice control, the driver will be able to, for example, get directions, place phone calls, and listen to the news or access entertainment by giving voice commands. This way Alexa further contributes to the safety of driving Volvo trucks, as drivers don’t have to take their eyes off the road to make a phone call or select a destination.

Walker: And what are you most excited about?

Nerdal: I’m most excited about the navigation integration. While being on the road during the day, navigation is a very important part of the drivers’ life, and a wrong turn can be a costly mistake. Alexa is integrated with the TomTom navigation on board on our trucks. Drivers can, for example, ask Alexa about the distance to the next filling station.

For more information on the integration, visit Volvo Trucks.

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