Amazon and Hyundai Motor Company have announced a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at delivering new experiences for customers. This collaboration includes Amazon launching online sales of Hyundai vehicles in the US in 2024, Hyundai designating AWS as its preferred cloud provider to assist in digital transformation, and the introduction of the Alexa Built-in experience in Hyundai’s forthcoming vehicles.
The announcement was made at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, where Hyundai also introduced the 2024 Santa Fe to the North American market.
Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, remarked: “Hyundai is an innovative company that aligns with Amazon’s commitment to enhancing customers’ lives daily. Our extensive strategic partnership is designed to do just that, from transforming how customers can buy vehicles online to simplifying the use of Alexa in Hyundai vehicles for various functions. This collaboration also empowers Hyundai to revolutionise their customer experiences and business operations through AWS. We’re excited to innovate together for the foreseeable future.”
Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, commented: “Collaborating with a globally renowned customer-focused organisation presents tremendous opportunities as we evolve our portfolio, expand our sales network, transition to electrification, and shape the future of smart mobility. Amazon is the perfect partner to support our vision of progress for humanity, including enhancing the movement of people and goods. Hyundai’s pioneering role in Amazon’s U.S. store for complete vehicle transactions exemplifies our continuous efforts to elevate the customer experience, in conjunction with our distinguished retail partners.”
Vehicle Sales: Starting in 2024, auto dealers will, for the first time, be able to sell vehicles on Amazon’s U.S. store, with Hyundai being the first brand available. This novel digital shopping experience simplifies the process for customers to purchase cars online and arrange for pickup or delivery through their local dealership. Customers can search on Amazon for available vehicles based on their preferences, select their preferred car, and complete the purchase online, utilising familiar Amazon features. This new platform provides another avenue for dealers to showcase their inventory and offer convenience to their customers.
Cloud Transformation: Hyundai has named AWS as its preferred Cloud provider to expedite its digital transformation. Hyundai will adopt a Cloud-first technology strategy, migrating its existing on-premises applications to AWS. This includes applications across research, product engineering, and customer engagement. Hyundai will focus on areas such as manufacturing and supply chain to optimise production and reduce costs, security and disaster recovery for resilience, and connected vehicle development to introduce new features globally. AWS and Hyundai have also developed a Master Builder training and certification programme to equip Hyundai engineers with essential Cloud skills.
In-Vehicle Solutions: From 2025, Hyundai’s next-generation vehicles will offer customers the hands-free Alexa experience. Hyundai drivers will be able to use Alexa for various tasks, including playing media, setting reminders, checking calendars, and controlling smart home devices. This feature will also provide traffic updates, weather reports, and voice control for in-vehicle media and navigation systems, with certain Alexa functionalities available even in limited or no Internet connectivity scenarios.
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