Mitsubishi Motors Canada has unveiled an innovative AI-powered tool, dubbed "The Intelligent Companion," that aims to enhance the customer buying experience for the new 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander. Launched on March 5, 2025, this cutting-edge tool utilizes artificial intelligence to offer personalized, engaging interactions during the vehicle purchasing journey, representing a significant leap forward in automotive marketing.
The Intelligent Companion was designed in collaboration with WongDoody, a creative and technology agency that specializes in intelligent marketing experiences, alongside IBM, leveraging their state-of-the-art AI suite, the IBM watsonx portfolio. This collaboration reflects a focused strategy by Mitsubishi Motors Canada to adopt advanced tools that deliver tangible value to consumers.
A standout feature of The Intelligent Companion is its ability to provide an interactive 3D visual guide of the Outlander, allowing potential buyers to explore the vehicle in a dynamic environment. Customers can ask questions and receive tailored responses, all while being guided through the myriad features of the new vehicle. This level of personalization is a significant improvement compared to traditional vehicle marketing approaches, such as static brochures or pre-recorded tours.
"The Intelligent Companion" allows users to journey from interested onlookers to informed buyers by addressing individual needs and preferences. Built on IBM’s watsonx Orchestrate and watsonx.ai, the tool can manage and process extensive data, producing responses that feel conversational and natural, hence enhancing user engagement.
Steve Carter, Marketing Director at Mitsubishi Motors Canada, said, "The Intelligent Companion represents a major leap forward in customer engagement, offering a tailored experience that highlights the best features of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2025. Working with WongDoody and IBM has been an incredible collaboration, and we’re truly impressed by how quickly this innovation came to life."
For small business owners, especially those in the automotive or retail sectors, The Intelligent Companion demonstrates how AI can reshape customer engagement processes. Implementing similar technology could help businesses provide personalized experiences that attract and retain customers. In a marketplace where consumer expectations for tailored communications are rising, embracing AI-driven tools may be key to standing out from competitors.
The collaborative effort in developing the tool was remarkably swift, moving from the initial concept to a live market launch within twelve weeks. Ralf Gehrig, Global Chief Experience Officer at WongDoody, emphasized the significance of this rapid development. "Bringing this project to life at such speed and scale is a testament to the power of AI and global collaboration. This project proves that when the right minds and technology come together, the possibilities are endless."
However, small business owners should also consider potential challenges that come with integrating such technology. Initial costs, the learning curve associated with adopting AI tools, and the need for continuous data input to maintain accuracy and relevance may pose hurdles for smaller businesses. Additionally, as the tool relies heavily on data, businesses must ensure they have robust data privacy protocols in place. Customers are more aware than ever of their data usage, and any tools should be implemented with transparency to foster trust.
Matt Sanchez, Vice President of Product at IBM’s watsonx Orchestrate, highlighted that "with the watsonx portfolio, clients can swiftly and efficiently integrate generative AI into their operations and enrich customer experiences." The ability to roll out AI-driven solutions could thus empower small businesses to operate more efficiently while enhancing their interactions with customers.
By utilizing innovative technologies like The Intelligent Companion, Mitsubishi Motors Canada sets a noteworthy precedent for businesses aiming to refine customer engagement strategies. As they embrace a digital future, small business owners across various industries can draw valuable lessons from this initiative. With the right approach and technology, the possibilities for enhancing customer experiences are boundless.
For additional details on this development, you can view the full press release here.
Image Via Envato: josecarloscerdeno
