Amazon's Alexa AI Allows Remote Voice Access To Hyundai’s Genesis Luxury Cars

Artificially intelligent systems are becoming increasingly capable as companies like Amazon build in new functionality and team with partners for creative uses of these technologies. Case in point, Hyundai is the first automaker to launch an Alexa skill, allowing remote voice commands to control connected cars as part of its Geneses Connected Services.

Hyundai's Genesis Connected Services links the Alexa service built into Amazon Echo, Tap, Echo Dot, and Fire TV with the Genesis G80 and G90 luxury sedans. The benefit for G80 and G90 owners is that they can bark out remote car commands from inside their home. It's not an arbitrary feature—whereas key fobs with remote start functionality let you start your car from a certain distance, a G80 or G90 owner with an Alexa-enabled device could have the digital assistant start their vehicle on a snowy morning and the cabin temperature to a specific degree. That's pretty neat.

"We're excited to bring the convenience of voice and Alexa to the Genesis G80 and G90," said Steve Rabuchin, vice president, Amazon Alexa. "With this innovative Alexa implementation, customers can now start their car, and get the heat going all just by asking Alexa from the comfort of their own home. We can't wait for our customers to try it out."


There are various commands that users can issue through Alexa, things like "Alexa, tell Genesis to start my Black G90" or "Alexa, tell Genesis to flash the lights on my gray G80." None of this is game changing by any means, but it certainly levels up the luxury factor and brings more value to the digital assistant category, at least for Amazon.

"The Amazon Alexa skill for Genesis demonstrates our progressive commitment to technology that is intuitive and customer-focused. It aligns with our belief that time and convenience are the ultimate luxuries," said Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the U.S. market. "From remotely locking your car from your living room, to starting your G90 and setting the temperature from your bedroom, the Alexa skill for Genesis offers a new level of ease for owners."

Genesis vehicles come with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Car Services. Hyundai's also promoting the feature upgrade by giving G90 owners an Amazon gift card, which they can apply toward an Amazon Echo.