SoundHound AI Brings Voice Assistant to Lancia Vehicles

SoundHound AI, a voice artificial intelligence technology provider, has rolled out its SoundHound Chat AI voice assistant with integrated generative AI in the Sound, Air, Light, and Augmentation (SALA) infotainment system in new Lancia Ypsilon vehicles across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands.

By simply saying "Hey SALA," or pressing a button, drivers can engage with their vehicles' voice assistants, which respond with dynamic audio and visual information.

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

"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, chief operating officer of SoundHound AI, in a statement. "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 voice assistant, following recent launches in Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, and Vauxhall vehicles. Earlier this year DS Automobiles became the first automaker to go into full production with SoundHound Chat AI.