At CES 2024, Volkswagen shared some exciting news about incorporating ChatGPT into the voice-recognition systems of their upcoming vehicles. They believe this will offer better functionality than the usual voice recognition. ChatGPT is set to be available in the second quarter of 2024, and VW is considering rolling it out in the U.S.
To integrate ChatGPT, VW is partnering with Cerence Chat Pro. This means drivers won’t need to activate the chatbot separately, create a different account from their car’s user profile, or download another app. Just like current models, voice recognition will still handle tasks like climate control, infotainment, and navigation. But now, it will also answer general knowledge questions using information from ChatGPT. This feature won’t access vehicle data, and all questions and answers will be promptly deleted.
VW plans to include ChatGPT in the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7 electric vehicles, as well as updated versions of the Golf, Passat, and Tiguan. The ID.4 is already available in the U.S., and the ID.7 is expected to hit U.S. dealerships later this year. The other two ID models were not intended for the U.S. market. The Passat is no longer sold in the U.S., but the new Tiguan version should arrive later this year. As for the Golf, VW only sells the GTI and Golf R performance versions in the U.S., so these will likely get ChatGPT as well.
VW prides itself on being the first “volume manufacturer” to offer ChatGPT as a standard feature, although Mercedes-Benz announced similar plans back in June. However, Mercedes is considered a luxury brand, so VW argues that they are making this technology accessible to a wider audience.
Volkswagen has a history of making advanced technology available to many people, and this move is seen as a testament to the innovative power of their new products, highlighted by Kai Grünitz, a VW board member for technical development.