Continental and Elektrobit (EB), a German software company, announced the first in-vehicle integration of Alexa Custom Assistant.  The software gives automakers access to Amazon Alexa's advanced AI, allowing them to customise the underlying technology as they see fit.

Together, both companies have succeeded in integrating the Alexa Custom Assistant into Continental's Cockpit High Performance Computer, allowing automobile manufacturers to realise the idea of a fully integrated digital cockpit.

With Alexa Custom Assistant, a variety of custom features can be programmed into a vehicle, enabling a dialogue of sorts between the driver, Alexa, and the vehicle's operating system. Alexa's advanced AI ensures that each request is routed to the assistant that can provide the most relevant solution.

For example, if a customer asks Alexa to turn up the volume, the request will be directed to the climate control system. If a customer asks for Alexa to play an audio book, the request will be routed to Amazon's Audible e-book services. This gives customers a virtual assistant powered by the versatility of Amazon's Alexa, yet seamlessly connected to the vehicle's operating system.