Volkswagen Group, in collaboration with Cerence Inc, has confirmed at the ongoing CES 2024 in Las Vegas that it will offer ChatGPT in some of its cars and SUVs globally. The carmaker also confirmed that the current MEB and MQB EVO-based models will have access to automotive-grade ChatGPT integration. The announcement also says that personal data is protected as ChatGPT does not gain access to vehicle information.
- IDA voice assistant can control infotainment, HVAC
- Questions and answers are deleted to ensure privacy
VW MEB, MQB EVO models to get ChatGPT integration first
At the ongoing CES 2024, Volkswagen has showcased its first vehicles that will get the artificial intelligence-based chatbot, with ChatGPT integrated into its IDA voice assistant. Volkswagen said that in the future, customers will have access to the growing AI database from all Volkswagen models equipped with IDA, and will read out the researched content to them while driving.
This makes VW the first mass market manufacturer to offer ChatGPT as standard feature from the second quarter of 2024 in many production vehicles. The new chatbot is offered in conjunction with the latest infotainment available in MEB-based models like the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.3, and on the new MQB EVO platform based line-up that includes the all-new Tiguan, the current-gen Passat and the Golf.
With this integration, the IDA voice assistant can be used to control the infotainment, navigation and air conditioning or answer general knowledge questions. The release further says that this feature can be helpful on many levels during a car journey by engaging in conversation, clearing up queries, interacting in an intuitive language and receiving vehicle-specific information, all purely hands-free.
ChatGPT does not gain access to any vehicle data
Volkswagen states there is no need to create a new account, install a new app or activate ChatGPT: the voice assistant is activated by saying ‘Hello IDA’ or pressing the button on the steering wheel. IDA automatically prioritises whether it should execute a vehicle function, search for a destination or adjust the temperature. ChatGPT does not gain access to any vehicle data; questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure the highest possible level of data protection.
Are VW India models getting this feature?
At the moment, Volkswagen India does not sell any MQB EVO or MEB-based vehicles in the country and there's no word on when the ChatGTP-based tech will be introduced here. While the ID.4 EV is expected to debut sometime this year (it's based on the MEB platform), it remains to be seen if this feature makes its way to the new India-bound EV.
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