SoundHound AI Brings Voice Assistant With Generative AI to Lancia Vehicles Across Europe

Rhea-AI Summary

SoundHound AI (Nasdaq: SOUN) has announced the integration of its SoundHound Chat AI, a voice assistant with Generative AI, into Lancia Ypsilon vehicles across seven European countries. The assistant is part of Lancia's S.A.L.A. infotainment system, activated by saying "Hey SALA" or pressing a button. It offers conversational experiences including calls, navigation, real-time information, and Generative AI-style responses.

The technology can handle natural speech, providing information on topics ranging from historical facts to trip planning. SoundHound Chat AI is now featured in several Stellantis brands, including Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, and Vauxhall. Data shows increased voice assistant usage and improved customer loyalty scores with this technology.

Positive

• Integration of SoundHound Chat AI into Lancia vehicles across seven European countries
• Expansion of SoundHound AI's presence in Stellantis brands
• Increased voice assistant usage (up to 6 times) and 5x increase in customer loyalty scores

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

SoundHound AI's integration of their Chat AI voice assistant into Lancia's S.A.L.A. infotainment system marks a significant advancement in automotive AI. This move expands SoundHound's presence across multiple Stellantis brands, indicating strong industry adoption. The system's ability to handle complex, context-aware queries using Generative AI sets a new standard for in-vehicle interactions.

Key points:

• Integration across 7 European markets, expanding SoundHound's market reach
• Generative AI capabilities enable more natural, conversational interactions
• Cross-brand data shows up to 6x increase in voice assistant usage
• 5x increase in Net Promoter Score, suggesting high user satisfaction

This partnership could potentially boost SoundHound's revenue and market share in the automotive AI sector, positioning them as a leader in this rapidly growing field. However, the impact on immediate financials may be until widespread adoption occurs.

Market Research Analyst

The integration of SoundHound Chat AI into Lancia vehicles represents a significant market opportunity. The European automotive AI market is projected to grow rapidly and this partnership gives SoundHound a strong foothold. Key market implications include:

• Expanded market reach across 7 European countries, tapping into diverse consumer bases
• Potential for increased brand recognition and loyalty among European consumers
• Competitive advantage in the automotive AI space, especially with generative AI capabilities
• Possible catalyst for partnerships with other automakers seeking advanced AI solutions

The reported increase in voice assistant usage and Net Promoter Score suggests strong product-market fit, which could drive further adoption. However, investors should monitor the pace of integration across other Stellantis brands and any potential expansion to non-Stellantis automakers to gauge long-term growth potential.

Award-winning in-vehicle voice assistant SoundHound Chat AI enhances the new Lancia Ypsilon’s S.A.L.A. infotainment system

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SoundHound AI, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOUN), a global leader in voice artificial intelligence, today announced that its category-leading voice assistant with integrated Generative AI, SoundHound Chat AI, has been integrated in Lancia Ypsilon vehicles across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands.

SoundHound Chat AI has been integrated into the S.A.L.A. infotainment system of the new Lancia Ypsilon, available in vehicles across multiple European markets. (Photo: Business Wire)

Lancia’s innovative S.A.L.A. (Sound, Air, Light, and Augmentation) infotainment system now features SoundHound Chat AI. By simply saying "Hey SALA," or pressing a button, drivers can engage with the vehicle’s voice assistant, which responds with dynamic audio and visual information. This new offering delivers a new and versatile type of conversational experience for drivers and passengers, and is a part of one of Lancia's technological pillars for a complete and immersive on-board experience.

With the integration of SoundHound Chat AI into the S.A.L.A system., Lancia customers will be able to enjoy Generative AI-style responses in addition to other in-car voice assistant features, including calls, navigation, and real-time information like weather and sports scores. The technology effortlessly detects natural human speech and employs Generative AI to facilitate enjoyable, informative conversations that flow – ranging from historical facts to trip planning, storytelling, quizzes, and tips from the vehicle manual.

Users can ask follow-up questions that draw on complementary real-time domains for optimal responses that are relevant and useful while they’re on the road. For example:

• “What scenic towns should I visit between Milan and Rome?”
• “Where’s the best restaurant with a view along the way?
• "What is the weather like there now?"
• “Can you recommend a boutique hotel in Tuscany?”
• “Where’s the nearest rest stop with EV charging and a café?

"We are thrilled to bring SoundHound Chat AI to Lancia vehicles and offer even more drivers and passengers a new level of convenience and connectivity,” said Michael Zagorsek, COO of SoundHound AI. “This expansion marks another important step in our mission to transform in-car experiences with cutting-edge, truly conversational voice technology that drivers love and automakers trust.”

Lancia becomes the latest Stellantis brand to embrace SoundHound AI’s category-leading voice assistant, following recent launches in Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, and Vauxhall vehicles. Earlier this year, DS Automobiles became the very first automaker in the world to go into full production with a voice assistant that integrates the latest generative AI technology via SoundHound Chat AI.

SoundHound’s cross-brand data shows an increasing demand for advanced in-vehicle voice assistants, with voice assistant usage increasing up to six times and a 5x increase in customer the consumer loyalty-based Net Promoter Score.

Learn more about SoundHound Chat AI here.

About SoundHound AI

SoundHound (Nasdaq: SOUN), a global leader in conversational intelligence, offers voice and conversational AI solutions that let businesses offer incredible experiences to their customers. Built on proprietary technology, SoundHound’s voice AI delivers best-in-class speed and accuracy in numerous languages to product creators and service providers across retail, financial services, healthcare, automotive, smart devices, and restaurants via groundbreaking AI-driven products like Smart Answering, Smart Ordering, Dynamic Drive Thru, and Amelia AI Agents. Along with SoundHound Chat AI, a powerful voice assistant with integrated Generative AI, SoundHound powers millions of products and services, and processes billions of interactions each year for world class businesses.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241017159207/en/

Media Contact

Fiona McEvoy

415-610-6590

PR@SoundHound.com

Source: SoundHound AI, Inc.

FAQ

What is SoundHound AI's new integration with Lancia vehicles?

SoundHound AI has integrated its SoundHound Chat AI, a voice assistant with Generative AI, into Lancia Ypsilon vehicles across seven European countries as part of the S.A.L.A. infotainment system.

How do users activate SoundHound Chat AI in Lancia vehicles?

Users can activate SoundHound Chat AI in Lancia vehicles by saying "Hey SALA" or pressing a button to engage with the voice assistant.

What features does SoundHound Chat AI offer in Lancia vehicles?

SoundHound Chat AI offers features such as calls, navigation, real-time information (weather, sports scores), and Generative AI-style responses for topics like historical facts, trip planning, and vehicle manual tips.

Which other automotive brands are using SoundHound AI's voice assistant technology?

In addition to Lancia, SoundHound AI's voice assistant technology is being used by other Stellantis brands including Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, and Vauxhall.

What impact has SoundHound AI's voice assistant had on user engagement?

According to SoundHound's cross-brand data, voice assistant usage has increased up to six times, and there has been a 5x increase in customer loyalty-based Net Promoter Score.