In short

Simplifying... Inshort

Volkswagen is integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT into its cars, offering voice assistance to drivers subscribed to its Plus Speech with AI service.
The feature, which can process natural language requests and handle complex tasks via cloud-based processing, will be standard in most 2025 models.
However, Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models won't get the feature until 2026.

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The rollout is set to begin on September 6

Own a Volkswagen? You can now get answers from ChatGPT

By Dwaipayan Roy

Sep 04, 2024

02:39 pm

What's the story

Volkswagen has announced an upgrade to its in-car artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant, IDA. The enhanced system will now include responses from OpenAI's ChatGPT and other models, both locally processed and cloud-based. The first vehicles to feature this advanced technology will be the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI, as well as the 82kWh battery version of the 2024 ID.4. This rollout is set to begin on September 6, with other cars receiving it later this year.

User access

Subscription service for AI voice assistant

To access ChatGPT, drivers must subscribe to Volkswagen's Plus Speech with AI service. The company has revealed plans to equip most of its 2025 models with this new AI voice assistance capability. Models like ID.4 and ID Buzz will offer this feature free for three years, while others like the GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan will provide it at no cost for one year. Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Taos owners will need to independently subscribe to this service.

Expansion strategy

Future plans and limitations

Volkswagen has stated that the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will not be equipped with ChatGPT until 2026. The integration of ChatGPT was first announced by Volkswagen at CES in January, but details regarding its implementation were not disclosed at that time. The company has now clarified that OpenAI's chatbot, along with several other models, are supplied by automotive chatbot firm Cerence. This company will take over from IDA when requests become more complex than adjusting air conditioning settings.

Tech capabilities

Advanced features and cloud-based processing

Volkswagen's enhanced IDA system can process natural language requests for certain tasks. For example, if a user says they're "chilly," the system will understand that they want to turn on the heat. More complex requests like asking for restaurant recommendations or requesting the chatbot to narrate a story, will be processed in the cloud by Cerence. This advanced feature aims to provide a more interactive and convenient driving experience for Volkswagen owners.