The robots are taking over yet another job, this time the role of dealer representative on the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The automaker has announced that Amazon’s Alexa will answer customers’ question during test drives at special events being hosted this fall.
“In our push to bring EVs and electromobility to all, we need to find new and exciting ways to talk to our customers,” said Andrew Savvas, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Volkswagen Group of America. “This collaboration with Amazon does just that. Future Volkswagen owners can experience all our ID.4 has to offer with the aid of a voice service they’ve already come to know.”
The Alexa guided test drive is possible thanks to a collaboration between VW and Amazon that sees an Echo Auto device placed on the ID.4’s dashboard. With it, the digital assistant can answer a customer’s questions regarding the electric vehicle’s functions.
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If a potential buyer has a question about the available massaging seats, for instance, Alexa will respond by saying “The seat massage function is available in the front seats of the I.D.4 Pro S and Pro S with Gradient. If you’d like to try it, just ask, ‘Alexa, how do I turn on the massage feature.'”
The device is also able to answer questions about the battery, charging, the blind spot monitor, connecting to the infotainment system, costs, regular maintenance, and more. Volkswagen adds that customers are free to ask about the car’s features without any added pressure from a salesperson.
Naturally, human representatives will be on hand at the various Alexa Test Drive locations around the country to give potential buyers a walk-around of the crossover before they take off. They can then embark on a 30-minute drive with the Echo Auto device, and can head to a dealership after their test drive to find out more and reserve a vehicle.
Volkswagen plans on offering Alexa guided test drives at a variety of locations around the U.S. starting this fall.
