Volkswagen Integrates ChatGPT Into its Vehicles

Volkswagen has presented the first vehicles in which the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT is integrated into its IDA voice assistant at CES 2024. This function will customers to have seamless access to the constantly growing artificial intelligence database in all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant1.

Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc. is the foundation of the new function.

The voice assistant is activated by saying: “Hello IDA,” or pressing the button on the steering wheel.

Volkswagen will be the first volume manufacturer to offer ChatGPT as a standard feature from the second quarter of 2024 in many production vehicles.

The new chatbot is offered in conjunction with the latest generation of infotainment in the following models: ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan and the all-new Passat, as well as in the new Golf.

Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development., says: "Volkswagen has always democratised technology and made it accessible to the many. This is simply ingrained in our DNA. 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. This also underlines the innovative strength of our new products.” 

Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence, adds: “With Cerence Chat Pro, Volkswagen is empowered with an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration that offers unmatched flexibility, customisation, and ease of deployment, while prioritising security and usability for drivers. 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.”

VW says ChatGPT does not gain access to any vehicle data; questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure the highest possible level of data protection.