Volkswagen is to install the AI-based ChatGPT service in its cars from this spring, providing “accurate and relevant responses to nearly every query imaginable”.

The chatbot will come as standard in all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant from the second quarter of 2024

The move, announced at the 2024 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, will see the chatbot come as standard from the second quarter of 2024 in all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant, marking a first for a major automaker.

This includes electric vehicles – the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and flagship ID.7 – as well as ICE models such as the new Tiguan, Passat and the facelifted eighth-generation Golf also previewed at the event.

The chatbot will also feature in other VW Group brands that use the IDA voice assistant in current MEB and MQB evo models, giving access to “automotive-grade” ChatGPT integration and providing “seamless access to the constantly growing artificial intelligence database”.

In cooperation with technology partner Cerence, VW will integrate the chatbot into its IDA voice assistant, augmenting its skills. The voice assistant will be able to control the infotainment, navigation and air con – and answer general knowledge questions. This will further evolve in the future as the AI service gains “continuously expanding capabilities”.

Volkswagen says it will be helpful on many levels, including “enriching conversations, clearing up questions, interacting in intuitive language, receiving vehicle-specific information, and much more – purely hands-free”.

Drivers won’t need to create a new account or install any apps. The chatbot can be activated by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing a button on the steering wheel.

For anyone worried about security, Volkswagen says personal data is protected. ChatGPT doesn’t gain access to any vehicle data; questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure the “highest possible level of data protection”.

Kai Grünitz, VW board member for technical development, said: “Volkswagen has always democratised 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.”

Volkswagen and Cerence are also collaborating on a new ‘large-language-model’-based (LLM) user experience to underpin VW’s next-generation in-car assistant.

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At the CES technology fair, VW also gave a sneak preview of the refreshed Golf. This arrives later this summer – in line with the model’s 50^th anniversary – and will bring an overhauled interior that will include a new free-standing central touchscreen, along with exterior updates. Model line-up is yet to be revealed but VW has confirmed that the hot GTI version will be carried over.