CES 2024: Volkswagen to Integrate ChatGPT Into IDA Voice Assistant

Several Volkswagen models will get seamless access to ChatGPT's massive knowledge database.

At the CES 2024 technology show, Volkswagen announced plans to integrate the powerful ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot into its IDA voice assistant system. Starting in the second quarter of 2024, several Volkswagen models will get seamless access to ChatGPT's massive knowledge database directly through voice commands to IDA.

Customers can ask the IDA assistant questions, with the AI providing responded information read aloud while driving. This is made possible through Volkswagen's technology partner, Cerence Inc., who developed the Chat Pro software, enabling the ChatGPT integration.

Volkswagen will be the first major automaker to offer ChatGPT as a standard feature across various production vehicles. Models getting the new voice assistant upgrade include the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.3 electric vehicles and the new Tiguan, Passat and Golf vehicles. Models from other Volkswagen Group brands such as Skoda, Seat and Cupra, which are built on MEB and MQB Evo platforms, will also get Chat Pro integration in the future.

Powered by Cerence Chat Pro, the IDA voice assistant can handle traditional vehicle functions like infotainment, navigation and climate control. But it will now have enhanced conversational abilities to answer general questions by leveraging ChatGPT's intelligence. It provides additional context that goes beyond the vehicle systems.

The automated information could enrich conversations in the car, clear up questions, interact naturally, and deliver vehicle-specific details without drivers having to touch the display or their phones.

Volkswagen says the ChatGPT integration is seamless for users. There is no new account or app needed, as drivers say "Hello IDA" to activate the assistant as usual. IDA then determines the best response, whether fulfilling a vehicle command or tapping into ChatGPT's database for more in-depth answers.

Importantly, ChatGPT never accesses any vehicle data. According to Volkswagen, questions and responses are immediately deleted to ensure strict privacy. This security is managed through Cerence Chat Pro, allowing IDA to incorporate multiple data sources like ChatGPT while prioritizing usability and safety for drivers.

"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.

Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence said, “With Cerence Chat Pro, VW is empowered with an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration that offers unmatched flexibility, customisation, and ease of deployment, while prioritising security and usability for drivers. As we look to the future, together Volkswagen and Cerence will explore collaboration to design a new, large-language-model-based (LLM) user experience as the foundation of Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant."