Volkswagen to integrate ChatGPT AI into future models

Life behind the wheel of a Volkswagen is about to get even easier as the German carmaker is planning to integrate ChatGPT – the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that can do your homework for you – into its future models’ infotainment systems.

Before you get any ideas, no, you can’t ask it to drive the car for you as it’s more of a helper for the onboard IDA voice assistant which helps control vehicle features like the audio, navigation, and air conditioning systems.

So what does it actually do then? Well, Volkswagen says ChatGPT integration will allow IDA to provide additional information beyond what it can already do. For example, the new system can enrich conversations and answer general questions among other things.

The driver and passengers won’t need to familiarise themselves with any new menus either as the system is simply activated by saying “Hello IDA” or by pressing the button on the steering wheel.

The German carmaker says that ChatGPT doesn’t gain access to any vehicle data and that questions and answers are deleted right after they are executed to maintain occupant privacy.

“We are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature in vehicles from the compact segment upwards,” says Volkswagen technical development board member Kai Grünitz.

The new system will be available in the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the new Tiguan and Passat, as well as in the new Golf from the second quarter of 2024.

Those wanting to get their first taste of the AI-backed voice assistant can find the first cars fitted with it at the CES 2024 technology show in Las Vegas, held from January 9 to 12.