Carvana teams with Shaquille O’Neal on AI chatbot
An omnichannel platform for buying and selling used cars is launching what it calls the world’s first AI-based "Shaqbot."
Carvana is integrating the voice and personality of NBA basketball Hall of Fame legend Shaquille O’Neal with an artificial intelligence-equipped shopping assistant it is calling the Shaqbot. The chatbot is built using real voice recordings and custom O’Neal-approved response logic to help customers browse inventory, answer common questions, and make their online car-buying experience more entertaining.
"I’ve been buying and selling cars for years, and when I found Carvana, I really loved the ease and innovation of the brand," said O’Neal. "That’s what makes my partnership with Carvana so exciting. And now for other Carvana fans, they can have a little fun with Shaqbot, an assistant as smart, smooth, and good-looking as me."
The Shaqbot is part of a broader collaboration between Carvana and O’Neal that includes curated vehicle selections, custom brand content, and a campaign hub at a special microsite called Shaqvana.com where customers can browse cars, explore campaign content, and interact with the Shaqbot..
In addition, a “Shaq filter” for site search provides a vehicle search experience tailored to O’Neal’s favorite vehicle specs including roomy interiors, high horsepower, and sunroofs.
"Shaq is a great ambassador for Carvana - he brings the perfect mix of big personality, big heart, and big ideas," said Ryan Keeton, Carvana co-founder and chief brand officer. "He’s not just in the ads; he’s in the experience. The Shaqbot is one of the most unique things we’ve ever built, and it shows what’s possible when you combine technology, creativity, and fun."
This marks the first time Carvana has embedded a celebrity voice, persona, and preferences directly into its customer experience.
How Carvana’s e-commerce model works
All vehicles in Carvana’s national inventory come with a seven-day return policy as opposed to a traditional test drive. According to Carvana, this ensures customers have the right amount of time to determine if the vehicle fits their needs.
Customers can also sell their current vehicle to Carvana and receive an offer in as little as five minutes, without having to purchase a vehicle. To sell a vehicle, customers enter their vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number on Carvana.com, answer a few questions, and then Carvana can pick up the vehicle and pay them as soon as the next day.
The e-tailer offers same-and next-day delivery of vehicles. In addition, in select markets Carvana offers "car vending machines" which enable customers to select and purchase a vehicle from its site and schedule a time for pick up.
[READ MORE: Carvana expands ‘car vending machine’ format in California]
Founded in 2012 and based in Phoenix, Carvana provides as-soon-as-next-day delivery to automotive shoppers in over 300 U.S. markets.
