Chattin’ it up!

Enriching conversations, questions answered, vehicle info received and so much more! VW has you covered, and this is just the beginning! In exciting news, the automaker for the first time is integrating ChatGPT into its cars and SUVs, presenting functionality while protecting personal information. What could be better! They are doing this in cooperation with technology partner Cerence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This exciting change will apply to current MEB and MQB models from VW Group brands that use the IDA voice assistant. They will enjoy access to automotive-grade Chat GPT integration via Cerence Chat Pro.

What else we know!

ChatGPT and its integration into the first vehicles’ IDA voice assistance has been presented, and the news is nothing short of extraordinary! This means that customers moving forward will have seamless access to what is a surely growing artificial intelligence database in all VW models with the IDA voice assistant. Information will be sent to them while driving, all of which is research content.

Serving as the foundation for this new function, Cerence Chat Pro of technology partner Cerence Inc. is known to offer uniquely intelligent, automotive-grade ChatGPT integration. This move will result in VW being the first volume manufacturer exploring new ground in this area. They will also be presenting it as a standard feature from the second quarter of this year in many of its production vehicles.

Where it can be found/what it entails!

This new chatbot will be offered in conjunction with the latest and greatest infotainment in several VW models. Those include: the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan and Passat as well as the brand new Golf.

Within these models will be endless capabilities in the art of AI with ChatGPT incorporated into the backend of the VW voice assistant, offering a multitude of new capabilities that go well beyond the previous voice control.

Drivers will enjoy using the IDA voice assistant to control things like the infotainment, navigation and air conditioning, for example, as well as to answer general knowledge questions. Keep in mind that all of this is done purely hands-free!

For the driver, nothing changes, just is enhanced. There is no need to create a new account, install a new app or activate ChatGPT. Simply say “Hello IDA,” or press the button on the steering well, and begin! IDA will automatically prioritize whether a vehicle function should be executed, or whether a destination needs searched for or a temperature reached or adjusted. If it is a question the system simply cannot answer, it is then forwarded anonymously to AI and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.

So discreet and so safe, ChatGPT does not gain any access to vehicle data, and questions and answers are deleted immediately. This is done to ensure the upmost protection of any and all data.

Kai Grunitz, member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for technical Development, lauded this move, stating, “Volkswagen has always democratized 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.”

For now, models in the U.S. won’t have this feature, although it will be considered moving forward, Volkswagen promised. They stand as one of the largest, not the first, automaker to integrate ChatGPT into its vehicles. They follow Mercedes in this move.

In making this advancement, Volkswagen is also using a more narrow large language model, an LLM called CaLLM to address upwards of 10,000 questions and answers that may center on the vehicle, brand or its operations. Once this is launched, drivers will interact with the voice assistant.

What is off limits are “sensitive” questions such as those centering on profanities or sex, for example. They also prohibit leading questions about any other brands.

Adding these new digital capabilities that will align with current tech trends is at the core of this move, and also supports new and cutting-edge eras like those centering on hybrid work. This means that meetings on the road through partners such as Zoom or Webex are now a reality.

This will all begin the second quarter of this year, with drivers realizing the immediate benefit of ease of operating such things as navigation, air conditioning, infotainment systems and more — all via voice control. Have a question? That is covered too! Take advantage of this new technology and “chat it up!