Carvana is a huge operation, a used-car retail giant.

So how can Carvana be bigger?

How about adding the towering Shaquille O’Neal — all 7-foot-1, 300-plus pounds of him?

Carvana announced an integrated brand partnership with O’Neal, a basketball Hall of Famer, broadcaster and entrepreneur, that has debuted with “the world’s first AI-powered Shaqbot.”

The company said the Shaqbot is designed to make car shopping simpler, easier and more fun, putting O’Neal’s “voice, wit and personality” into Carvana’s digital experience. The artificial intelligence-powered customer assistant uses real voice recordings and custom “Shaq-approved” AI response logic to answer common questions, help customers browse inventory and make online car-buying “just a little more entertaining.”

“I’ve been buying and selling cars for years,” O’Neal said, “and when I found Carvana, I really loved the ease and innovation of the brand. 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.”

Carvana said the collaboration offers curated vehicle selections, custom brand content and a campaign hub at Shaqvana.com — a microsite at which customers can browse Shaq-approved rides, explore campaign content and interact with the Shaqbot — all with “Shaq’s personality layered in.”

The campaign also includes national broadcast and digital ads starring O’Neal as he shares how Carvana can get “Shaqified”, and a “Shaq filter” vehicle search engine tailored to O’Neal’s favorite specs: roomy interiors, high horsepower, sunroofs and more.

“Shaq is a great ambassador for Carvana,” co-founder and chief brand officer Ryan Keeton said. “He brings the perfect mix of big personality, big heart. and big ideas.

“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.”

Chrysler Pacifica campaign to feature Peanuts characters

Chrysler’s latest celebrity partnership might not be as large as Shaq, but it isn’t peanuts.

Oh, wait. It is Peanuts.

The automaker is teaming up with the characters of the famous Peanuts comic strip for its latest marketing campaign promoting the Pacifica minivan. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Woodstock and other members of the gang are featured in videos launching on Chrysler’s social media channels, beginning with “The Next Adventure,” “Perfect Pair” and “Ready, Set, Ride,” celebrating family, football and the fall season.

Image courtesy of Stellantis.

The spots are debuting on the brand’s YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok channels, to be joined by additional videos throughout the fall.

Chrysler brand CEO Chris Feuell said the partnership between Peanuts and “America’s best-selling minivan truly is the perfect pairing. As families prepare for back to school, football and fall, and with Halloween right around the corner, what better way to celebrate these cherished moments than with the beloved Peanuts gang and the Chrysler Pacifica as the perfect minivan to transport them on endless adventures?”

Feuell said the Pacifica offers “seating for up to eight and more than enough room for school backpacks, footballs and the family beagle.”

In a news release, Chrysler said the campaign will anchor its marketing and advertising efforts through the end-of-year selling season.

“Both our Chrysler Pacifica minivan and Peanuts are known for bringing families together to create long-lasting, joyful memories,” Stellantis global chief marketing officer Olivier Francois said. “As we launch the first three installments in this months-long video series that ushers in the traditional holiday season, the Chrysler Pacifica will take consumers on a nostalgic ride, tapping into the love so many have for the treasured Peanuts gang.”

In addition to the video series, the Peanuts characters will be integrated into display advertising on digital channels, dealer websites and chrysler.com

“For 75 years, Peanuts has been an integral part of daily life for families around the country,” Peanuts worldwide vice president of global licensing Scott Shillet said. “Bringing this campaign to life with Chrysler Pacifica is sure to delight our fans of all ages, ensuring this fall is extra fun for the whole family.”