Volkswagen is stepping up its in-car AI technology game with the integration of ChatGPT and a range of cloud-based models to enhance its voice assistant, IDA. The enhanced AI voice assistant is set to debut on September 6th in the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI models, as well as the 82kWh battery version of the 2024 ID.4. Other vehicles are expected to follow suit later this year.
VWs have confirmed that the IDA system will process both locally and through cloud services, powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT alongside other models provided by Cerence, an automotive chatbot company. The locally processed AI will handle basic commands, such as adjusting temperature settings or performing routine tasks like turning on the heat when a driver says they’re “chilly” or lowering the volume when they say, "It's too loud in here." When more complex inquiries arise—such as asking for restaurant recommendations or storytelling—these will be routed to the cloud, leveraging the broader capabilities of ChatGPT and other advanced models.
To access ChatGPT functionality, drivers must subscribe to Volkswagen’s Plus Speech with AI service, with different subscription terms depending on the model. Volkswagen announced that drivers of the 2025 ID.4 and ID Buzz will receive the service free for three years, while those with the GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan models will benefit from one year of complimentary access. Notably, Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models won’t receive the ChatGPT integration until 2026.
Volkswagen initially revealed its plans to integrate ChatGPT into its vehicles earlier this year at CES 2024, sparking curiosity about how the AI would function in practice. The collaboration with Cerence aims to ensure that more advanced user requests, like navigating more complex information needs, are addressed seamlessly through the cloud. This combination of on-device and cloud-based AI is designed to offer an enhanced driving experience that blends convenience with cutting-edge technology.
Their move into the AI-powered voice assistant space marks a significant step toward creating a more intuitive in-car experience, part of a broader trend of leveraging AI to enrich digital interfaces in vehicles. As the automotive industry increasingly turns toward AI and digital assistants, Volkswagen is positioning itself as a leader in adopting these technologies to offer a smarter, more responsive driving environment.
This shift is expected to benefit drivers by making interactions more natural and efficient, enhancing both convenience and safety on the road. As AI technology evolves, Volkswagen's integration of ChatGPT shows how automakers are tapping into AI-driven solutions to offer better, smarter digital experiences for their users.
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