Volkswagen has upgraded its in-car AI voice assistant, IDA, to now include ChatGPT and other cloud-based models. The improved assistant will debut with the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI, and the 2024 ID.4 with the 82kWh battery. VW’s rollout kicks off on September 6, with more models to come.
Subscription Model and Vehicle Eligibility
Accessing the ChatGPT-powered features requires a subscription to Volkswagen’s Plus Speech with AI service. ID.4 and ID. Buzz owners get three years free, while 2025 models like the GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan receive one year gratis. Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Taos owners must subscribe separately. The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models will incorporate ChatGPT in 2026.
The IDA assistant manages both simple and advanced tasks. Basic commands, such as adjusting controls, are processed locally. Complex queries, like restaurant recommendations or storytelling, utilize cloud-based processing through ChatGPT and other models from Cerence, an automotive chatbot firm. The setup ensures context-aware responses to user inquiries.
Background and Expansion to U.S. Market
Initially unveiled at CES 2024, Volkswagen’s ChatGPT integration plan now includes the U.S. market. The expansion aims to make driving more interactive by handling complex requests through AI-driven conversations.
Volkswagen says in its official announcement that it is focusing on enhancing automotive AI, aiming to improve driver convenience and safety. Introducing ChatGPT and other advanced models is a decisive step toward offering a more engaging in-car experience through cloud-based AI.
Technical Collaboration and Implementation
The collaboration with Cerence, known for automotive chatbot solutions, is pivotal. Cerence’s Chat Pro product, combined with OpenAI’s large language model, underpins the Plus Speech with AI service. The partnership highlights Volkswagen’s dedication to incorporating advanced AI technologies.
The upgraded voice assistant is designed for intuitive and efficient driving tasks. By understanding natural language and context-specific commands, it can perform various functions, from adjusting settings to providing personalized recommendations, making driving safer and more enjoyable.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:58 pm CET
