Volkswagen brings ChatGPT into its cars

No, that was not a typo you just read. Volkswagen announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show that they have partnered with Cerence to integrate the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant.

The new intelligent chatbot will be available in the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan, the all-new Passat, as well as in the updated 2025 Golf. But don't expect the intelligent chatbot to replace Volkswagen's in-house infotainment system across its range of vehicles.

Instead, the automotive-grade ChatGPT for Volkswagen will serve as a backup assistant for the IDA intelligent voice assistant. For those not in the know, ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that can mimic human conversations. Volkswagen claims that the intelligent chatbot can provide a wide variety of responses to almost every query. This also means that you can probably ask the chatbot plenty of questions and it will be able to reply with a direct answer.

So while Volkswagen's IDA can automatically adjust a vehicle's climate control, plot out one's destination, and manage the infotainment system, the integrated ChatGPT will be able to go beyond the limited functions of IDA. Drivers who wish to use the feature can say “Hello IDA” or press a button on the steering wheel. If the request cannot be processed by IDA, the system automatically sends it to ChatGPT and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.

Despite the benefits of having ChatGPT in Volkswagen vehicles, there's the matter of privacy which raises some concerns. However, Volkswagen stated that ChatGPT does not have access to any vehicle data. In fact, questions and answers will be immediately deleted to ensure the highest possible level of data protection.

“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,” said Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development.

With Volkswagen the first automaker the feature ChatGPT in its vehicles, does this open the gate for more automakers to have the intelligent chatbot integrated with their infotainment systems?