Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners in Canada now have the ability to add convenience and productivity to their daily drives through a new in-vehicle Alexa experience. 

Leveraging embedded available 4G LTE connectivity and General Motor’s (GM) updateable embedded app framework in the vehicle, Alexa is built-in to GM model year 2018 and newer cars, trucks and crossovers with compatible infotainment systems.

According to eMarketer 2019, we know that 5.8 million Canadians use a smart speaker at least once a month – an increase of 51 percent from the previous year.

The Alexa voice experience in GM vehicles leverages the Amazon Alexa Auto Software Development Kit, which brings the Alexa experience that has delighted customers at home into the vehicle. It adds automotive-specific functionality and contextualizes the experience for the vehicle.

Now more than ever, we are looking for ways to help our customers stay more connected as they start to get back on the road.

— Mike Speranzini, Director, Global Connected Services & Customer Experience, GM Canada

“Bringing the Alexa experience to our Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles is a prime example of how we are listening to our customers’ feedback and enhancing the ownership experience by offering the voice technology of their choice,” added Speranzini.

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 Alexa skills.

Additionally, GM is delivering several categories of Alexa features to customers 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 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 sync their contacts in the Amazon Alexa app.

“Customers already love using Alexa at home and we’re excited to work with GM to expand the experience to their vehicles in Canada,” said Ned Curic, Vice President of Alexa Auto at Amazon.

“Whether customers are looking for a new car or own a compatible Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle, they can access Alexa to stay connected, entertained, and productive.”

This integration represents the latest collaboration between GM and Amazon.