Volkswagen has updated its cars’ voice assistant to be much more communicative than before, thanks to the power of ChatGPT. OpenAI’s conversational assistant has been integrated into VW vehicles, as promised at CES, including newer Jettas and electric cars.
ChatGPT is more of an upgrade than a complete retooling of VW’s infotainment center. The chatbot relies on VW’s long-time voice AI partner Cerence and the Cerence Chat Pro platform to enhance VW’s existing Ida voice assistant. The result goes far beyond the usual navigation and climate controls. Leveraging OpenAI’s creation, a driver can get everything from local entertainment suggestions to a spontaneous trivia contest.
Volkswagen’s enhanced voice assistant offers a more intuitive user experience. Activated with phrases like “Hello IDA” or “Hello Volkswagen,” depending on the vehicle, drivers and passengers can now interact with their cars in a more casual way. If Ida can’t help, she connects to the cloud, where Cerence Chat Pro processes the query. This cloud-based system leverages multiple databases and sources, including ChatGPT, to answer your question.
“We are proud to partner with Volkswagen Group to deliver immediate value to their drivers looking to leverage generative AI while on the road,” said Cerence CEO Stefan Ortmanns. “These new capabilities, which will continue to expand, make the IDA voice assistant more efficient, competent and valuable than ever before and enable a safer and more enjoyable journey.”
Clone of your own voice
One important element is how the voice assistant handles data privacy. Volkswagen stressed that the AI does not access sensitive vehicle data and that all session data is immediately erased after each use. Most 2025 Volkswagen models will include the subscription as a free trial when they hit the market. Others will require you to subscribe to VW’s Plus Speech with AI, part of Volkswagen’s Car-Net system to begin with, but that could change as ChatGPT is integrated into more VW vehicles.
Voice assistants are a common feature in modern vehicles, but VW sees ChatGPT as more than just a minor perk. A more advanced solution than traditional voice assistants could help attract those looking for AI that can handle natural conversations while driving. Although Mercedes-Benz and other automakers are experimenting with ChatGPT and other generative AI models for their voice assistants, VW’s early adoption could keep it ahead in the never-ending race to win new car buyers.
“Volkswagen has a long tradition of democratising technologies. As a high-volume manufacturer, we make these technologies accessible to a large number of people,” explained Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand, in a statement this summer. “By integrating ChatGPT seamlessly into the backend of our voice assistant, we now offer drivers the opportunity to use this artificial intelligence on a daily basis, which underlines how innovative our products are.”
