Volkswagen has revolutionized the driving experience by integrating ChatGPT into its vehicles, providing drivers with advanced AI capabilities. This feature is now available in the latest models of the ID family, as well as the new Golf, Tiguan, and Passat. By combining ChatGPT with the existing IDA voice assistant, drivers can access a wide range of functions without the need to press any buttons.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development, emphasized the innovative nature of this integration, stating that it allows drivers to interact with AI on a daily basis. IDA itself is capable of answering questions, controlling vehicle functions, and planning EV charging routes in multiple languages.
The addition of ChatGPT introduces new possibilities, such as providing information on tourist attractions, sports events, or assisting with problem-solving tasks. However, ChatGPT has limitations, including a cut-off date for information retrieval and a secondary role to IDA in answering queries.
As the automotive industry embraces EVs and autonomous vehicles, partnerships with AI industry leaders aim to enhance in-car technology and upskill products. While AI is predominantly used for behind-the-scenes operations, such as Tesla’s Autopilot, Volkswagen’s integration of ChatGPT marks a significant step towards incorporating advanced AI capabilities directly into their vehicles.
It is worth noting that all interactions with ChatGPT are processed in an anonymous manner, ensuring the protection of user privacy. Data is promptly deleted to further safeguard this privacy.
Furthermore, ChatGPT does not have access to any vehicle data at any given point. Users have the option to deactivate the online voice assistant either through the Volkswagen app’s settings area or the privacy settings of the infotainment system.
Users do not need to create a new account, install a new app, or activate ChatGPT separately, as it will be seamlessly integrated into their existing IDA login.
This integration is made possible through collaboration with Cerence, an automotive AI solutions company. By utilizing Cerence Chat Pro, which incorporates various sources including ChatGPT, IDA is able to provide accurate and relevant responses to a wide range of queries.
It is important to note that the implementation is carried out in partnership with Cerence, rather than directly by OpenAI itself.
OpenAI has also taken measures to address concerns regarding data usage for training its models. The company has released enterprise versions of its GPT, demonstrating its commitment to data privacy and security.
