German legacy automaker Volkswagen has just announced Monday a new partnership with automobile AI assistant tech developer Cerence to integrate ChatGPT into its vehicles.
Volkswagen plans to showcase the first models to use the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT at the highly awaited CES 2024 from 9 to January 12 in Las Vegas.
ChatGPT integration to VW cars
According to the press release, Volkswagen, equipped with the IDA voice assistant, will gain access to ChatGPT through Cerence Chat Pro.
The Cerence Chat Pro will serve as the foundation of the new technology, enabling a smart, automotive-grade ChatGPT integration into Volkswagen cars. It includes the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan, and the all-new Passat, as well as the new Golf.
Excitingly, these models’ IDA voice assistants will gain the authority to control the infotainment system, navigation, and AC. It can also answer general knowledge questions, as popularized by the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT in recent years.
Owners can activate the voice assistant by simply saying “Hello IDA” or pushing the button on the steering wheel. They do not need to make a new account or install a new application.
This significant development advances Volkswagen’s position as the first-ever volume automaker to launch ChatGPT as a standard feature in numerous production cars.
“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.”
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development
Privacy issue
Despite the incredible ChatGPT integration, there seem to be some privacy issues that may discourage customers if Volkswagen does not address them.
Notably, ChatGPT became popular with its impressive capabilities to autonomously write essays, solve complex math problems, create programming code, or answer simple general questions.
However, its functionality in Volkswagen’s vehicles will be more restrained. The German automaker assured that the chatbot cannot access vehicle data.
In addition, the system deletes the questions and answer records immediately to guarantee “the highest level of data protection.”
Volkswagen will reportedly start offering the new feature in the second quarter of the year. However, its US launch is apparently still under consideration. Nonetheless, the ChatGPT integration is just the beginning for the automaker and its tech partner, Cerence. They plan to explore a potential partnership on new, large language model (LLM)-based user experience design development to support VW’s next-gen in-car assistant.
