Volkswagen becomes the first manufacturer to integrate ChatGPT into its vehicles
It was only a matter of time before automakers integrated the chatbot ChatGPT, which aims to maintain human-like discussions, in their vehicles. Volkswagen officially becomes the first manufacturer to enter this dance, as it presented a Volkswagen Golf GTI reworked, still camouflaged before its official unveiling which will arrive later this year, equipped with this new technology.
It should first be noted that ChatGPT does not replace the IDA voice assistant, but that it complements it. The system will determine what type of request it is in order to properly direct the response. It is our understanding that everything related to vehicle usage will be handled by IDA, while more complex questions that touch on general knowledge will be answered by ChatGPT.
Using ChatGPT while driving will be the same as any other voice assistant. All you have to do is press the button on the steering wheel or say the activation command “Hello IDA” to turn it on. If the intervention of ChatGPT is deemed desirable by the system, it will be activated to “enrich conversations” or even “answer questions” while allowing the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel, according to what the manufacturer claims.
All models based on the MQB evo and MEB architectures that are equipped with the IDA voice assistant will be able to benefit from ChatGPT directly in their vehicle. For the moment, Volkswagen cites certain models including the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and the new generation of Volkswagen Tiguan as being the targeted vehicles. The integration will be done through a partner, Cerence Inc., which provides the Cerence Chat Pro system, which uses ChatGPT as a chatbot.
Data security
Volkswagen is well aware of the sensitivity of the subject of ChatGPT. To reassure motorists who might have fears about this new technology, Volkswagen says that the conversational robot does not have access to vehicle data. The questions asked by passengers and the answers given to them are automatically deleted when the intervention is completed.
ChatGPT integration is planned for the second quarter of 2024 in Europe. Use in the United States is considered. Volkswagen makes no mention of possible availability in Canada.
