In a groundbreaking alliance, Hyundai has chosen AWS as its preferred cloud provider, ushering in a new era of enhanced connectivity for next-generation Hyundai vehicles featuring Alexa Built-in functionality. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, alongside Hyundai Motor Company, disclosed this expansive strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing customer experiences and business operations.
According to Jassy, “Hyundai is a very innovative company that shares Amazon’s passion for trying to make customers’ lives better and easier every day.” The collaboration envisions transforming various aspects, from simplifying online vehicle purchases on Amazon to integrating Alexa seamlessly into Hyundai vehicles for entertainment, shopping, smart home controls, calendar checks, and leveraging AWS for digital transformation.
José Muñoz, global chief operating officer for Hyundai and president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America, and Marty Mallick, Amazon’s vice president for Worldwide Business and Corporate Development, unveiled three pivotal components of this partnership at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Here are the key highlights of the announcement:
1. Amazon U.S. Store Integration (2024):
For the first time in 2024, auto dealers will have the opportunity to sell vehicles on Amazon’s U.S. store, with Hyundai being the inaugural brand available for online purchase. This novel digital shopping experience enables customers to effortlessly buy a new car online, selecting preferences such as model, trim, color, and features. The convenience extends to choosing payment and financing options, with the added flexibility of picking up the vehicle or having it delivered by the local dealership.
2. Hyundai’s Cloud Transformation with AWS:
Hyundai has designated Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider, embarking on a cloud-first technology strategy for a comprehensive digital transformation.
A multiyear agreement outlines Hyundai’s transition to a data-driven organization, migrating on-premises applications supporting research, product engineering, and customer engagement to AWS. This move leverages AWS capabilities in compute, storage, database, analytics, AI, and IoT, with a focus on optimizing production, minimizing costs, enhancing security, ensuring disaster recovery, and advancing connected vehicle development.
3. Enhanced Interaction with Alexa Built-in (2025 onwards):
Next-generation Hyundai vehicles, commencing in 2025, will offer an elevated hands-free Alexa experience, mirroring the capabilities available at home.
Hyundai drivers can seamlessly interact with Alexa in their vehicles, performing tasks such as playing music, podcasts, or audiobooks; setting reminders; updating to-do lists; and managing smart home devices. Connectivity extends to accessing traffic updates, weather reports, and using voice control for in-vehicle media players or navigation systems, even in scenarios with intermittent or unavailable internet connectivity.
This strategic collaboration not only marks a significant shift in the automotive retail landscape but also underscores Hyundai’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for an unparalleled customer experience.