New AI Assistant from Carvana
Carvana has launched a new voice assistant, Shaqbot, created in collaboration with legendary basketball player Shaquille O’Neal. This chatbot uses real voice recordings of Shaq and his sense of humor to assist customers in the online car buying process. It answers common questions and facilitates inventory browsing.
Advertising Campaign Featuring Shaq
O’Neal will also appear in a series of television and digital commercials for Carvana across the United States. To support the campaign, a special website, Shaqvana.com, has been launched, featuring a selection of cars curated by Shaq that meet his criteria.
Special Filters and Features
A special “Shaq” filter has been added to Carvana’s online shopping tool, highlighting features important to the basketball player: a spacious interior, the presence of a sunroof, and a powerful engine.
I’ve been buying and selling cars for many years, and when I discovered Carvana, I really liked the brand’s convenience and innovativeness. That’s why my collaboration with Carvana is so exciting. Now other Carvana fans can have a bit of fun with Shaqbot — an assistant as smart, smooth, and good-looking as I am.
Revival of Carvana
Carvana, which revolutionized the market a few years ago with its multi-level car vending machines, nearly went bankrupt two years ago. However, the company managed to recover, and its stock is now trading near record levels — around $378.
Shaq is a fantastic ambassador for Carvana. He combines a big personality, a big heart, and big ideas. He’s not just in the ad — he’s in the experience. Shaqbot is one of the most unique things we’ve ever created, and it shows what’s possible when technology, creativity, and fun are combined.
The integration of voice technologies with celebrities could become a new trend in e-commerce, especially for brands seeking to stand out among competitors. Leveraging Shaq’s authority and recognizability not only attracts attention but also creates an emotional connection with consumers, which can positively impact brand loyalty. Furthermore, such initiatives demonstrate how technology can personalize online shopping, making it more interactive and personal.