Future VW cars to get ChatGPT functionality

Future VW cars to get ChatGPT functionality

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At this year’s CES, Volkswagen will present its first vehicles in which the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT will be integrated into its proprietary voice assistant, IDA, as standard in many production vehicles. 

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That said, the system will mimic human conversations, and according to VW, it’s not a replacement for the existing factory system; instead, it’s an intelligent co-pilot, ready to step in when needed. If IDA encounters a query that it struggles to answer, ChatGPT will seamlessly take over, ensuring that drivers always receive clear, accurate responses.

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Set to be offered in conjunction with the latest generation of infotainment in the ID.7, ID.4, ID.3, Tiguan, Passat, and refreshed Golf, the system will offer relevant responses to nearly every query imaginable while driving.

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For a clear perspective, you could ask the system, purely hands-free, what some of Beethoven’s best classic songs are. Or perhaps some recipe ideas on your way home? According to Volkswagen, ChatGPT does not obtain access to any vehicle data because all questions and answers are promptly removed to guarantee the highest degree of data security. 

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"Volkswagen has always democratised technology and made it accessible to 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," says Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development.

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The ChatGPT functionality is earmarked to launch in European markets in the second quarter of 2024. 

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This will likely coincide with the unveiling of the refreshed Golf 8 GTI, which, as seen in the teaser images, gets a subtle exterior makeover while the interior gets a new, larger touchscreen system, and the biggest change, of course, is the buttons on the steering wheel that replace the undesirable haptic touch points.