Volkswagen is bringing a new level of interactivity to its vehicles by integrating ChatGPT, OpenAI’s popular AI chatbot, into several of its models. The automaker plans to roll out this feature in the U.S. later this week, starting with a few specific models, including the 2025 Jetta GTI, the MY24 ID.4, and other vehicles equipped with its Plus Speech voice assistant.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Volkswagen’s new voice assistant, known as “IDA,” is powered by Cerence Chat Pro and uses ChatGPT to handle a variety of in-car commands and answer non-driving-related questions. For example, IDA can suggest restaurants, create stories for entertainment, or provide road trip ideas, all through natural-sounding responses generated by the AI. While some commands are managed locally by the vehicle’s system, others are processed via Cerence Chat Pro over the internet to utilize ChatGPT’s advanced capabilities.
Volkswagen emphasizes that this integration allows drivers and passengers to engage more vividly with the vehicle. For instance, if a driver says, “Hi IDA, I’m chilly,” the system can automatically adjust the car’s heating. This enhanced interactivity makes the driving experience more personalized and user-friendly.
The availability and cost of the Plus Speech feature vary by vehicle. Some models, like the ID.4 and ID. Buzz, include three years of free Plus Speech with AI, while the GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan models offer one year for free. Buyers of the Jetta GLI and Taos will need to purchase a subscription through the myVW mobile app. Starting in 2025, a Plus Speech with AI subscription will cost $11/year, though this price could change after the initial trial periods end. The 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will also come equipped with this AI feature.
Volkswagen initially announced its plan to integrate OpenAI’s chatbot into its vehicles at CES 2024, joining other automakers like General Motors and Mercedes in exploring AI applications for their cars. Importantly, Volkswagen has clarified that ChatGPT does not access any vehicle information. All session data is deleted immediately to ensure maximum privacy and data protection, which aligns with the company’s commitment to security.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Volkswagen is stepping into the future with its ChatGPT integration. An advanced automobile digital assistant can make driving a more interactive, enjoyable experience. As this AI feature hits the market, other automakers study feedback closely, potentially leading to greater adoption across the industry. Volkswagen’s focus on security and privacy will be critical as customers adapt to using AI in their vehicles. The success of this rollout can determine future developments in automotive AI and create new benchmarks for in-car digital assistants.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech