Amazon Echo smart speakers can now control GM vehicles by voice

"Alexa, start my Chevy Bolt!"

Owners of Amazon Echo devices who also happen to own recent vehicles from GM, Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles using the multifunctional smart speaker can now remote start/stop their vehicle's engine or lock/unlock their vehicle using their voice, without the need for keys or  even a smartphone.

GM says that, "starting today, more than 800,000 owners of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles in Canada will be the first in the country to be able to control their vehicles using just their voice. By linking their Owner Center accounts with their Amazon account, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners can now enjoy the convenience of the myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC and myCadillac Alexa skills."

Extending the smart speaker functionality

If you have an Alexa-enabled device in your home, you can remote start/stop your vehicle's engine or lock/unlock your vehicle using your voice, without the need for your keys or smartphone.

It’s a sweltering summer afternoon. As you tidy up the kitchen and get ready to head outside, you ask Alexa for the current temperature outside. She tells you it’s 38 degrees Celsius. Rather than looking for your keys so you can get a head start on cooling down the car, you are the first in Canada to be able to ask Alexa to start your car so it’s at a comfortable temperature for you as you head out the door.

The feature is available for most 2011 or newer model year Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles in Canada are eligible. GM's spokesperson says, "no additional charge for customers who currently have remote key fob services through the myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC and myCadillac mobile apps." 

“We’re always looking at new ways to use technology to add value and convenience for our customers in Canada,” said David Begleiter, Product Manager of Connected Vehicle Services. “This is another example of how we are leveraging the embedded connectivity of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles to continue to enhance the ownership experience.”