Volkswagen accelerates into the future with first ChatGPT-enabled cars
10 January 2024
Image: Volkswagen AG
Volkswagen made waves at CES 2024 by unveiling plans to integrate ChatGPT into its cars.
The announcement was made at the world-leading electronics fair Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where VW showcased the first vehicles featuring ChatGPT integrated into its IDA voice assistant.
Scheduled to roll out in the second quarter of 2024, Volkswagen will be the first volume manufacturer to standardise the AI-based chatbot across various production vehicles.
The announcement at CES emphasised the seamless integration of ChatGPT into Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant. It will be made available to all customers with current MEB and MQB EVO models from VW Group brands.
Cerence Chat Pro, from Volkswagen’s technology partner Cerence, serves as the foundation for this feature, enabling an intelligent and automotive-grade implementation of ChatGPT and expanding the capabilities of the IDA voice assistant beyond traditional controls.
Users will have access to a range of functions, from controlling infotainment and navigation to answering general knowledge questions, powered by a continually evolving AI database.
Activation is designed to be user-friendly, requiring a simple "Hello IDA" or a press of the steering wheel button. IDA prioritises functions based on user commands, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience for drivers.
Image: Volkswagen AG
In cases where the system encounters a query it cannot handle, it is anonymously redirected to AI, and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.
A noteworthy aspect of this integration is the focus on data protection. ChatGPT is designed not to access sensitive vehicle data, and all interactions are promptly deleted, in order to protect the driver’s privacy.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development, emphasised the company's commitment to making the technology widely accessible. "Volkswagen has always democratised technology and made it accessible to the many,” Grünitz said.
“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.”
Looking ahead, both companies plan to explore further collaboration, aiming to design a new user experience based on large language models for Volkswagen's next-generation in-car assistant.