Volkswagen is set to elevate the driving experience in its lineup including electric vehicles (EVs) by announcing the integration of ChatGPT into its vehicle voice assistant system. Starting September 6, 2024, select 2025 models will feature this AI feature. 

According to Volkswagen, the initial rollout will see the ChatGPT feature debut in 2025 Jetta, Jetta GLI, and especially the ID.4 electric models, with plans to expand across various models by the end of the year. Powered by Cerence Chat Pro, Volkswagen’s IDA voice assistant will offer more natural, conversational interactions, elevating the in-car experience to new heights. Users can activate the assistant by simply saying “Hello IDA” or “Hello Volkswagen,” or by pressing the steering wheel button.

This enhanced system goes far beyond basic vehicle controls. In addition to adjusting climate settings and managing infotainment, the ChatGPT-enabled assistant can handle complex queries, from recommending restaurants to creating stories for entertainment during long drives.

Importantly, Volkswagen has prioritized user privacy in this implementation. ChatGPT will not have access to vehicle data, and all session data is immediately deleted to ensure user confidentiality.

Moreover, Volkswagen is introducing this feature through its Plus Speech with AI subscription, part of the Volkswagen Car-Net service. The subscription terms vary by model, with ID.4 and ID. Buzz includes 3 years at no additional cost.

Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Technical Development, commented on the innovation stating, “Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of making advanced technology accessible to everyone. With the integration of ChatGPT, we’re not just adding a feature; we’re transforming the entire driving experience.”

The system’s ability to understand context and natural language takes voice commands to a new level. For instance, instead of saying “Set the temperature to 70 degrees,” a driver can state, “Hi IDA, I’m chilly,” and the system will automatically adjust the heating according to Volkswagen. This intuitive interaction showcases the potential of AI to create a more seamless and personalized driving environment.

Read More: Volkswagen To Elevate In-Car Entertainment With AirConsole Gaming In New EV Models

With Volkswagen’s ChatGPT integration, it pushes toward more intuitive and enjoyable driving experiences for its EV owners. The company also hints at future expansions and improvements to the system, suggesting that this is just the beginning of AI’s role in automotive technology.

As time moves closer to the launch date, the automotive landscape will be watching closely to see how this integration reshapes the relationship between drivers and their EVs.

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