Volkswagen is integrating ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant across a range of its vehicles from next quarter. The announcement, made at electronics trade fair CES 2024, marks a significant step in the automotive industry, with Volkswagen becoming the first volume manufacturer to standardise the technology.

The integration, made possible through a partnership with technology partner Cerence Inc., will be available in VW models with both electric and ICE drive. This includes the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan and Passat, as well as the new Golf. The ChatGPT integration is expected to be available in many production vehicles from the second quarter of 2024.

The technology will offer drivers control over infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning systems, as well as the ability to answer general knowledge questions. Importantly, Volkswagen has assured that personal data will be protected, with ChatGPT not gaining access to vehicle information. Questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure data protection.

Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for technical Development, stated, '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, echoed this sentiment, saying, 'We are proud to build on our automotive expertise and our long-standing partnership with Volkswagen to offer its customers new innovations that leverage generative AI and large language models – even after they have purchased a vehicle.'

This move by Volkswagen not only underscores the increasing role of AI in the automotive industry but also highlights the potential for AI to enhance user experience, personalisation and voice-enabled functionality in vehicles. As the first volume manufacturer to standardise this technology, Volkswagen is setting a precedent that could shape the future of the automotive industry.