Garmin announces integration of Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant technology into Automotive OEM infotainment systems

Garmin is first Tier 1 automotive supplier to integrate Alexa’s advanced AI technology in its infotainment solutions, allowing OEMs to build their own intelligent assistants

OLATHE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), expanded its strategic relationship with Amazon today with the integration of Alexa Custom Assistant into Garmin’s in-vehicle infotainment systems. Alexa Custom Assistant is a comprehensive solution that allows automakers to access Alexa’s advanced AI to create their own intelligent assistants tailored to their brand personality and customer needs. A designated Tier 1 automotive OEM supplier, Garmin provides infotainment systems, navigation software, voice recognition and other electronics to leading manufacturers such as BMW Group, Daimler, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and Geely.

“Garmin is honored to be the first Tier 1 auto OEM supplier to integrate Alexa Custom Assistant capabilities into in-vehicle infotainment and navigation systems,” said Matt Munn, Garmin Auto OEM managing director. “This collaboration allows Garmin’s voice solutions team to provide leading automakers with a custom intelligent assistant using Amazon’s industry-leading AI technology. Garmin has collaborated with Amazon on several projects, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship.”

Alexa Custom Assistant enables device makers and service providers to create their own intelligent branded assistant, known as “Brandon” for demonstration purposes. (Check out Brandon in action in response to questions about tire pressure and check engine light.) This customized assistant can function as their brand’s product and services expert, seamlessly co-existing and cooperating with Alexa to fulfill a customer’s request. The solution uses Amazon’s advanced AI technology to ensure each request is handled by the correct assistant. For example:

• If a customer asks Alexa when their car needs an oil change, or to roll the window down, the request will be routed to the branded assistant.
• If a customer asks the branded assistant to play an audio book, the request will be routed to Alexa.
• Automakers can also create unique capabilities that allow customers to interact with their vehicle from home or the office using an Alexa-enabled device so drivers can ask about their vehicle’s battery charge status, send driving destinations to their car, and more.

Garmin’s Automotive voice development team has been working closely with Amazon to adopt Alexa Custom Assistant and is now showcasing its integration for adoption in production vehicles. The Alexa Custom Assistant technology will be available on Garmin’s latest infotainment solutions, which are built on Qualcomm’s latest generation chipsets. Automakers will still work with Amazon directly to define the experience and access custom wake word and voice for their Alexa Custom Assistant implementation.

“Our collaboration with Garmin marks an important milestone as we scale global access to Alexa Custom Assistant,” said Ned Curic, vice president of Alexa Automotive. “Garmin deeply understands the unique challenges and opportunities that automakers face as they develop and integrate the next generation of connected digital cabins, and we’re excited to extend our collaboration to deliver bespoke, best-in-class customer experiences without the investment, long development cycles, and resources required to build it from scratch and maintain over time.”

Garmin Automotive OEM provides user-friendly, connected in-vehicle solutions that are sought after for their compelling design, superior quality and value. As a designated Tier 1 automotive supplier, Garmin Auto OEM provides infotainment systems, navigation software, voice recognition and other electronics to leading manufacturers such as BMW Group, Daimler, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and Geely. For more information, visit garmin.com/aoem, email [e-mail], or connect with us at linkedin.com/garmin, twitter.com/garminnews and facebook.com/garmin.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the aviation, automotive, fitness, marine and outdoor lifestyles. Dedicated to helping people make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, email [e-mail], or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garminnews, instagram.com/garmin or linkedin.com/company/garmin.

About Garmin International, Inc.

Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2020, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.