Vinfast, Amazon announce plans to integrate Alexa Voice AI into VF 8 and VF 9
“ALEXA, what’s be best route to take?” or “Alexa, turn on porch lights and airconditioning.” These are but some of the commands that a VinFast VF 8 or VF 9 owner can do once plans for the integration of Alexa Voice AI to VinFast EVs. Alexa will provide hands-free access to music, news, navigation, traffic updates, smart home control, and more than 130,000 Alexa Skills once plans finalize this year.
The collaboration with Amazon, announced at the 2022 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS 2022), will integrate Alexa services into the VF 8 and VF 9 all-electric SUVs, making every drive more productive, convenient, and entertaining.
“We are impressed with VinFast’s speed and bold vision to be a leader in the global smart electric vehicle revolution,” Christian Mentz, Director of Amazon Smart Vehicles International shared.
The Alexa in-vehicle experience is designed to be an extension of the Alexa experience at home, including much of what customers already know and love about Alexa — plus automotive-specific functionality including car control, navigation, and other skills that are designed for on-the-go circumstances, such as finding parking.
By simply asking Alexa, Vinfast customers can control vehicle functions including interior lighting, seat heaters, cabin temperature, playing music, listening to audiobooks, getting directions, checking traffic, managing their smart home devices, and more — all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Over time, new features and capabilities will be delivered seamlessly through over-the-air software updates.
“We can’t wait for VinFast customers to experience the best of what Alexa and voice AI can offer, both on the go and at home— making it easier and more intuitive to stay connected, organized, and entertained no matter where they are,” Mentz added.
Driven by a “Customer-First” philosophy, VinFast is constantly innovating to serve the needs of its owners. The company’s electric vehicles are not merely sustainable transportation vehicles, but also a companion which can help drivers work, shop, connect and take care of their homes while helping them drive safely. All smart features in the vehicles are designed to be intuitive so users can enjoy an exciting, technology-enabled commute.
“VinFast considers technology as a key component in our vehicle development process. Our focus is to connect intelligence globally and collaborate with world-leading partners to provide customers with the best products and services,” Franck Euvrard, Deputy CEO — Product Development of VinFast said.
The VF 8 and VF 9 models will be displayed in booth #610 at the New York International Auto Show 2022 from April 15-24, 2022 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. At the event, participants can also experience several key Smart Service features in-person. The features are designed for a more comfortable, efficient and exciting user experience. VinFast will also offer public VF 8 ride-along program at the EV test track on Level 1, also at the Jacob K. Javits Center.
VinFast recently announced it will establish its first North American plant in Chatham County, North Carolina, and the VF 8 and VF 9 will be the first two models manufactured at the facility. Breaking ground later in 2022, VinFast is investing $2 billion into the first phase and it will generate thousands of new jobs.
The initial price for the VF 8 in the US starts at $40,700 USD while the VF 9 will initially be priced at $55,500 USD.
“Amazon’s Alexa will be a wonderful addition to our smart functions and services. Alexa will deliver a seamless, intuitive and enhanced in-vehicle voice experience for Vinfast customers,” Euvrard concluded.
