CES 2024: VW integrates ChatGPT into EVs and ICE cars

Volkswagen will become the first global car-maker to roll out an advanced voice assistant that’s powered by artificial intelligence, announcing on the eve of the CES in Las Vegas overnight that it will begin rolling out ChatGPT tech from the second quarter of 2024.

The first models to receive the AI tech will include VW’s EV range – including the ID.3, ID,4, ID.5 and ID.7 – as well as the new Volkswagen Tiguan, Passat and facelifted Golf hatch.

The latter was also revealed in light camouflage ahead of the show.

Bundled together with Volkswagen’s existing IDA voice assistant, the enhanced ChatGPT capability means owners will be capable of using voice control for functions well beyond the current system.

According to VW, users will be still able to control the infotainment, adjust the climate control and set a new destination by natural voice commands, but will also now be able to ask the system questions and have a ‘real’ conversation.

From discussing the meaning of life to providing recipes for dinner tonight or ordering things online, ChatGPT, VW claims, will change the way owners interact with their car.

To activate the more powerful IDA voice assistant, drivers need only hit a new button on the steering wheel or say “Hello IDA”.

Protecting users’ data, ChatGPT is claimed not to have access to any of the vehicle data and any questions or answers received or given will be immediately deleted.

Commenting on the new tech offering, “Volkswagen has always democratised technology and made it accessible to the many. 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,” said VW’s board member in charge of technical development, Kai Grünitz.

“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.”

Despite VW’s claim to be the first car-maker to use an AI-powered voice assistant, Mercedes-Benz is developing the same capability for launch soon, having demonstrated the tech about six months ago.