Volkswagen plans to integrate ChatGPT into cars, enhancing in-car conversations

Volkswagen, one of the world's leading automakers, has unveiled plans to incorporate ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI, into its vehicle lineup.

The German company announced the move at CES 2024, revealing that the AI chatbot, based on Cerence's Chat Pro product, will be integrated into Volkswagen models equipped with its IDA voice assistant.

Scheduled to roll out in the second quarter, starting in Europe, the AI chatbot will initially be available in Volkswagen's electric vehicle (EV) lineup, including models like ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.3. Additionally, it will be featured in the new Tiguan, Passat, and Golf vehicles. However, its availability in the United States is still under consideration.

The ChatGPT-powered chatbot aims to offer a hands-free, AI-driven conversational experience for drivers. Integrated into the IDA voice assistant, it expands the capabilities beyond basic controls to include enriching conversations, providing intuitive language interactions, offering vehicle-specific information, and more.

Volkswagen's integration of ChatGPT follows a similar move by Mercedes-Benz, which added the conversational AI bot to its MBUX infotainment system in June 2023. The collaboration with Cerence extends beyond ChatGPT, with plans to explore designing a new large language model (LLM)-based user experience for Volkswagen's next-generation in-car assistant.