Volkswagen To Integrate ChatGPT Into Its Vehicles (Image: Volkswagen)
Volkswagen, the renowned German automaker, made a significant announcement that they will include the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT into all Volkswagen models equipped with its IDA voice assistant. The automaker has unveiled its partnership with Cerence Chat Pro, which enables automotive-grade ChatGPT integration.
Volkswagen said that they will be the first volume manufacturer to provide OpenAI”s AI chatbot as a standard feature from the second quarter of 2024 in many production vehicles. The first Volkswagen vehicles to support ChatGPT will include the company”s line of EVs, such as the ID 4 and ID 3; the upcoming ID 7 and ID 5 EVs; and the combustion-powered Tiguan, Passat, and Golf. The automaker claims that the integration of ChatGPT into the backend of the IDA voice assistant offers several new capabilities beyond the previous voice control. “In future, customers will have seamless access to the constantly growing artificial intelligence database in all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant,” said the company in a statement.
Notably, the IDA voice assistant can be used to control navigation, air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions. The automaker also said that AI-powered technology in its vehicles can be used for “enriching conversations, clearing up questions, interacting in intuitive language, and receiving vehicle-specific information.”
🔜 With the beginning second quarter of 2024, @volkswagen will be the first volume manufacturer to offer ChatGPT as voice control feature in many models and markets.
💡 This gives you many new opportunities which go far beyond today”s voice control!#CES24 pic.twitter.com/w6mMxlcEdu
— Volkswagen Group (@VWGroup) January 8, 2024
Customers will be able to activate the voice assistant by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. Volkswagen also mentioned that ChatGPT does not gain access to any vehicle data. This means the questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure data protection. The automaker has presented its first vehicles featuring ChatGPT at the CES electronics trade fair. Kai Gruenitz, the Volkswagen brand”s board member for technical development, told Reuters that customers will now be able to adjust functionalities in their vehicle without touching a button.
Automotive manufacturers are exploring ways to transform the industry with artificial intelligence technology. Notably, in March 2023, a General Motors executive told Reuters that the company was also working on a virtual personal assistant using AI models behind ChatGPT.
