Avi Ben-Hutta
Editor at Coverager
Amazon General Motors

General Motors to bring Amazon Alexa to vehicles

General Motors is bringing millions of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners the ability to add convenience and productivity to their daily drives through a new in-vehicle Alexa experience coming in the first half of 2020. Leveraging embedded available 4G LTE connectivity and GM’s updateable embedded app framework in the vehicle, GM will make Alexa available on model year 2018 and newer cars, trucks and crossovers with compatible infotainment systems.

GM research shows that many customers prefer to use the same voice services they use in their home in their vehicles. The Alexa voice experience in GM vehicles leverages the Alexa Auto Software Development Kit, which gives customers access to standard Alexa skills and capabilities. This will also enable GM to create custom skills in the future that are relevant to the customer’s vehicle. This collaboration represents the broadest rollout of an embedded Alexa Auto experience to date, and provides a tailored voice experience for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac drivers with properly equipped vehicles.

“GM’s updateable app framework and vehicle connectivity lets us provide customers with new technologies that enhance the ownership experience, even to customers with vehicles that are already on the road,” said Santiago Chamorro, vice president for Global Connected Services, GM. “Bringing the Alexa experience to our vehicles is an example of how we are listening to our customers’ feedback, and offering them the voice technology of their choice.”

Drivers can enjoy Alexa by using simple voice commands, all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel: Check the news, control smart home devices like lights or thermostats, add items to their shopping cart, and access tens of thousands of Alexa skills. Additionally, GM is delivering several categories of Alexa features that expand on the in-vehicle experience, including:

  • Navigation – Ask Alexa to get directions to a specific address or point of interest, such as a vehicle dealer, or just ask for nearby coffee shops. Alexa seamlessly integrates with compatible, embedded navigation systems in the vehicle or available OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation using natural language.
  • Media – Ask Alexa to play a specific song, artist, genre, or station, as well as audiobooks or podcasts. Alexa can fulfill the request by bringing up available streaming services.
  • Calling – Drivers can ask Alexa to call friends and family using their voice when they pair their phone via Bluetooth and share their contacts with Amazon.

“Customers already love using Alexa at home, and soon they can bring her with them on the go, whether they’re looking for a new car or own a compatible Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle already on the road,” added Ned Curic, VP of Alexa Auto at Amazon. “We’re thrilled to be working with GM to help their customers stay more connected, more entertained, and more productive.”

This integration represents the latest collaboration between GM and Amazon. In 2018, GM launched in-car delivery with Key by Amazon and a series of Connected Car skills for Alexa, available on millions of eligible Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles in select cities. More information about how customers can set up Alexa will be shared closer to launch.

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