Amazon and Hyundai Partner for Car Sales and Alexa Integration
In a monumental announcement, Amazon and Hyundai Motor Company unveiled a comprehensive strategic partnership to revolutionise the automotive industry. This groundbreaking collaboration is set to redefine the car-buying experience, enhance vehicle interactivity, and drive Hyundai’s digital transformation.
Starting in 2024, Amazon will open its virtual doors to auto dealers, allowing customers to purchase vehicles online through its platform. Hyundai will lead the charge as the first automaker to make its cars available on Amazon’s U.S. store. This innovative digital shopping experience empowers customers to browse available vehicles based on their preferences, from model and trim to colour and features. Once selected, customers can seamlessly complete their purchase with their chosen payment and financing options, all within the trusted Amazon ecosystem.
This shift in car sales promises to simplify and streamline the process, giving customers greater convenience and flexibility in their car-buying journey. It also provides dealers with a unique opportunity to showcase their inventory and cater to the evolving needs of tech-savvy consumers.
2. Hyundai’s Cloud-First Transformation with AWS
Hyundai has chosen Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider, marking a significant step in the automaker’s digital transformation journey. Under a multiyear agreement, Hyundai will transition its on-premises applications, spanning research, product engineering, and customer engagement, to the robust AWS cloud infrastructure.
The move towards a cloud-first technology strategy will enable Hyundai to harness the full potential of AWS, leveraging capabilities such as computing, storage, database, analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Key business areas like manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, security, disaster recovery, and connected vehicle development will be prioritised, allowing Hyundai to innovate and offer enhanced features to drivers worldwide.
In addition to this transformation, Hyundai and AWS have introduced a Master Builder training and certification program, equipping Hyundai engineers with essential cloud skills and reinforcing their commitment to technological excellence.
3. Alexa Integration for Enhanced Vehicle Interactivity
We’re bringing even greater Alexa capabilities to our next-gen vehicles and starting next year, you can buy a new Hyundai directly in @Amazon’s U.S. store!
Making Hyundai the first company to sell vehicles on Amazon’s U.S. store. 🛒 pic.twitter.com/scLLfAQSlX
Hyundai’s next-generation vehicles, slated for release in 2025, will take in-car interactivity to new heights by incorporating Alexa Built-in. This integration allows drivers to enjoy a seamless, hands-free experience within their vehicles, mirroring the convenience of their smart homes. Drivers can request Alexa to play music, podcasts, or audiobooks, set reminders, update to-do lists, and manage calendars on the go. Moreover, the integration extends to smart home control, enabling users to adjust home settings, check locks, work lighting, and execute Alexa routines—all from the comfort of their Hyundai vehicles.
Alexa’s voice-activated features also provide drivers with real-time traffic updates and weather reports, enhancing navigation and in-car entertainment, even when internet connectivity is intermittent or unavailable.
A Visionary Partnership
This visionary partnership between Amazon and Hyundai marks a significant shift in the automotive landscape. By merging the convenience of Amazon’s online shopping prowess with Hyundai’s commitment to innovation, customers can look forward to a future where car buying is more straightforward, vehicle interactivity is seamless, and the driving experience is truly connected.
As Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stated, “Our broad, strategic partnership should do just that, from changing the ease with which customers can buy vehicles online to making it simple to use Alexa in Hyundai vehicles for entertainment, shopping, smart home adjustments, and calendar checks to enabling Hyundai to transform their customer experiences and business operations by moving to AWS. We look forward to inventing together for many years.”
In this era of digital transformation and intelligent mobility, Amazon and Hyundai are paving the way for an exciting and customer-centric future in the automotive industry. With the promise of innovation, convenience, and connectivity, this partnership is set to redefine how we experience and interact with vehicles.
