LAS VEGAS – Volkswagen is teaming up with tech partner Cerence to bring ChatGPT artificial intelligence capability to many of its production cars.
The chatbot feature will be integrated into most of the current MEB and MQB evo models that use the IDAvoice assistant technology beginning second-quarter 2024 for some markets.
Availability for the U.S. market remains under consideration but is without a firm targeted launch date, a result of unresolved legal hurdles.
The ChatGPT features come courtesy of the Cerence Chat Pro software. With the Cerence software, VW’s onboard virtual assistant will be able to control infotainment, navigation and climate functions or respond to general questions from the driver and passengers. If a question can’t be answered by the Volkswagen system, it is forwarded anonymously to the AI chatbot to resolve.
To ensure privacy, ChatGPT does not access any vehicle data, and questions and answers are deleted immediately, the automaker says.
The system is activated by saying “Hello IDA” or by pressing a steering-wheel button. There is no need to create a new account or install a new app, VW says.
In a demonstration at CES, the software can find navigation points of interest even with some very unspecific vocal prompts, thanks to the ChatGPT functionality. For example, saying you’re hungry for Chicken Korma will elicit a list of nearby Indian restaurants.
The system also will tap into ChatGPT functionality to describe local attractions if prompted or to provide other information or entertainment to occupants, such as reading them a story.
The software will be available initially with the latest-generation infotainment systems in VW’s ID.7, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.3 battery-electric vehicles. It also will be on all new Tiguan, Passat and Golf models.
Volkswagen plans to broaden availability to other brands and its commercial vehicles. It also is expected to offer the software to owners of vehicles already on the road that have VW’s fourth-generation operating software.
