Volkswagen Integrating ChatGPT Into Vehicles, CES 2024

The AI-based chatbot ChatGPT is coming to Volkswagen cars, the German automaker has confirmed at CES.

The tech will be integrated into VW’s existing IDA voice assistant, and introduced in models in Europe in the second quarter of this year.

Among the cars to benefit will be the Tiguan, Passat and Golf, as well as the electric ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7.

Introduction in U.S. models is also being considered, although no decisions have yet been made on that front.

The integration will be enabled by Chat Pro tech from U.S. software firm Cerence, as part of its ongoing partnership with the car manufacturer.

VW explained that ChatGPT will be utilized to help provide “additional information” on top of the queries regarding infotainment and navigation that IDA ordinarily handles, as well as answering general knowledge questions.

The tech’s abilities will, of course, constantly extend in tandem with the expansion of its database and VW is predicting a future for owners that will encompass “enriching conversations” and “interacting in intuitive language” during journeys.

While all this sounds promising, owners will not notice any radical change in the user experience.

VW says there will be no need to create a new account, launch a new app or specifically activate ChatGPT.  They will simply activate IDA in the usual manner – by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing a button on the steering wheel – and the tech will prioritize what function needs to be carried out.

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If it cannot do so, the request will be forwarded anonymously to the AI and the usual VW voice responds.

Anybody asking questions that they might not want anyone else to hear will be reassured by VW’s guarantee that ChatGPT does not gain access to the vehicle’s data, and queries and responses are deleted immediately.

“Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to the many,” said Volkswagen’s Kai Grünitz. “As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature in vehicles from the compact segment upwards. 

“Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and strong collaboration with our partner, Cerence, we are offering our drivers added value and direct access to the AI-based research tool.” 

Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence, added: “With Cerence Chat Pro, Volkswagen is empowered with an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration that offers unmatched flexibility, customization and ease of deployment. 

“And as we look to the future, together Volkswagen and Cerence will explore collaboration to design a new, large-language-model-based (LLM) user experience as the foundation of Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant.”

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