Kia Motors America Inc.’s new Niro hybrid SUV is getting lots of marketing attention these days.
The Irvine-based automaker plans to use the interactive “NiroBot” to advertise the vehicle’s features on the Facebook Messenger app.
The chatbot, powered by artificial intelligence, exchanges text messages with consumers through the app and provides vehicle information upon request, including videos, images, links and step-by-step tutorials. It also can schedule test drives at nearby dealerships. NiroBot was developed and implemented by Ansible in Durham, N.C.
“The all-new Niro is like nothing else on the road today, and kicking off our pre-launch strategy by breaking new ground with our bot for Messenger will make the new car research process much easier and more efficient for shoppers,” Kimberley Gardiner, Kia’s director of marketing, said in a statement. “The user-friendly interface combines the experience of being in a showroom with the convenience and mobility today’s car buyers are looking for as users interact with the NiroBot at their own pace and focus on the specific areas that interest them most.”
Gardiner confirmed that Niro will star in Kia’s upcoming Super Bowl ad with a yet-to-be-named celebrity. Previous Big Game ads featured Pierce Brosnan and Christopher Walken.
Vizio Spotlight
Vizio Inc. hosted the closing-night gala of American Film Institute’s AFI FEST 2016 on Nov. 17 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The event featured a red-carpet celebration and screening of “Patriots Day,” directed by Peter Berg.
The Irvine-based manufacturer of smart TVs and audio systems also set up a Vizio lounge at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel for the duration of the festival, which was held Nov. 10 to 17, offering festival guests and filmmakers a chance to interact with its products.
Vizio also was recently named a CES 2017 Innovation Awards Honoree for its Vizio SmartCast P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display. The smart TV will be displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show 2017, which runs Jan. 5 to 8 in Las Vegas.
Entries were evaluated based on “their engineering, aesthetic and design qualities, intended use/function and user value, unique/novel features present and how the design and innovation of the product directly compares to other products in the marketplace,” the company said.
Vizio’s pending $2 billion sale to LeEco is expected to close by year-end. Meanwhile, rumors swirl that the China-based conglomerate has hit a cash crunch.
Disney Discounts
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is offering a “13 months for the price of 12” promotion for its annual passports. New passes must be purchased by Feb. 11, and pass renewals with the offer were permitted through Nov. 16, according to theme park officials. Annual passes, which range in price from $329 to $1,049, also include discounts on dining and merchandise.
Looking for spending cash while at the park? Disney gift cards can now be sent via email and redeemed by scanning a voucher on a smartphone.
Bits & Pieces
SHOUT Public Relations in Costa Mesa added baker & olive and Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room to its roster of clients. … Irvine-based mobile phone manufacturer Alcatel appointed Wayne White vice president of sales for North America.
