Kia introduces Google Assistant action for customers to ask about its new Seltos
Kia has developed a Google Assistant action, enabling Australians to ask their smartphones or Google home devices about key features of the new Kia Seltos including design, tech, safety and even request a test drive.
The announcement:
Kia Motors Australia is joining forces with Google as the first automotive brand in Australia to develop a Google Assistant Action for the recently launched all-new Kia Seltos.
With 65% of 25-49 year olds now speaking to their voice-enabled devices at least once per day, Kia is using this trend to help remove friction in the exploration phase of automotive research by taking a customer-first approach to voice assistance (Source: PwC).
With the Australian-first partnership, the Kia Seltos Action allows users to ask their smart phone, smart speaker or Google home device about key features including design, tech, safety and even request a test drive.
Dean Norbiato, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Australia, says “We recognise that consumers are open to building relationships with brands via voice channels. Responding to our customers’ needs and investing in technologies that create a better brand experience for our customers allows us to develop relationships in more natural and meaningful ways.”
Being a smart small SUV, the Kia Seltos Action provides an innovative and engaging way to explore the car.
Google Assistant is one of the most popular smart voice assistants on the planet, available in more than 90 countries and accessible on more than 1 billion devices – making it a powerful and exciting tool for brands to experiment with in marketing today.
According to Google, active users of the Google Assistant quadrupled over the past year with 72% of people who own a voice-activated speaker say that their devices are often used as part of their daily routine.
Furthermore, 52% of smart speaker owners are interested in receiving info about deals, sales, and promotions from brands.
Taking inspiration from leading global brands – H&M Home, who have a digital personal stylist offering style and product suggestions on décor in the home; PostNL, allow users to check the status of packages and request delivery address changes; Nike’s digital performance expert, Nike Coach, offering guidance to find the perfect sneakers and advice for running – Kia is leading the way for voice technology in Australia’s automotive industry.
“It’s just the beginning for voice with predictions suggesting that voice will hit the mainstream over the next two years. Working with Google in developing the Kia Seltos Action provides us with an opportunity to start experimenting and really gaining market-specific insight that can help us stay at the forefront, while building our overall brand voice strategy,” said Norbiato.
Kia’s Google Assistant trigger phrases are “Ok Google, talk to Kia Seltos”, “Ok Google, speak to Kia Seltos”, “Ok Google, I want to speak to Kia Seltos” and “Ok Google, ask Kia Seltos”.
Source: Bastion Effect media release
