Volkswagen to launch ‘Test Drive with Alexa’ program

Volkswagen and Amazon are looking to offer car buyers an innovative test drive experience with the all-electric ID.4 sport utility vehicle (SUV). Starting in the fourth quarter of the year, customers in the United States (US) — and select regions — can schedule an in-person Alexa-guided test drive of the Volkswagen ID.4.

According to the German automotive brand, the Alexa-powered test drive is enabled through an Echo Auto device on the vehicle’s dashboard. As participants get a feel for the Volkswagen ID.4’s drivability, they can ask Alexa for more information on the many functions of the electric vehicle (EV).

For example, when the driver asks Alexa about the car’s available massaging seats, the onboard virtual assistant will answer: “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.’”

Through the Test Drive with Alexa program — created in collaboration with Amazon Ads and Amazon Web Services — a participant’s questions are answered in a fresh, fun manner as Volkswagen continues its goal of EV education and democratization. From the customer’s viewpoint, they now can test drive a Volkswagen with the freedom to explore the car without any added pressure.

Alexa, said Volkswagen, can share information about the ID.4’s features, including its battery, charging, blind spot monitor, connecting to infotainment, cost, and regular maintenance — making it the ideal test drive companion.

“In our push to bring EVs and electromobility to all, we need to find new and exciting ways to talk to our customers. 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,” explained Volkswagen Group of America Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Andrew Savvas.

Interested customers in the US can sign up for the brand’s innovative and interactive test drive through a landing page created by Volkswagen and Amazon. There, they can also configure their own ID.4 SUV.

Test drives last approximately 30 minutes, and customers should budget about 45 minutes for the entire experience. After the test drive, customers can head to the participating Volkswagen dealership to receive additional information on how to reserve their ID.4.

The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first all-electric SUV and the brand’s first global EV. It is built on the brand’s MEB electric vehicle architecture — the modular electric drive matrix — and marries the strengths of a purpose-built EV with performance, packaging, and value features that have marked the brand for decades. The Volkswagen ID.4 SUV competes in the world’s largest market segment  (compact SUV) and is currently produced in Germany, China, and at VW’s Chattanooga, Tennessee factory, with deliveries due to start later in the year.

Photos from Volkswagen USA

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