Volkswagen models with the new generation infotainment system are now also equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) of ChatGPT.

The AI based research tool is available in all new vehicles in the ID. EV family, as well as the Golf, Tiguan and Passat.

It can be accessed using the IDA voice assistant and offers a range of new options that go far beyond the voice control previously available. For example, customers can now have search results read out to them, and can interact with the car using natural language.

Current models already allow users to control the infotainment, navigation and climate control systems using the IDA online voice assistant. The vehicle is also able to answer questions about various topics. But with the introduction of ChatGPT, the possibilities have expanded significantly: for example, AI can provide information on tourist attractions, report on past football tournaments or help solve maths problems. All of this works intuitively: the driver simply talks to the assistant in natural language, and there is no need for them to take their eyes off the road.

Owners with an existing account for VW Connect/VW Connect Plus can use the IDA voice assistant as usual, they do not require additional access or an additional app.

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The digital assistant is launched by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. Only if a query cannot be answered by the VW system is it forwarded anonymously to ChatGPT; the answer is then provided in the familiar voice. At no point does ChatGPT gain access to vehicle data. Questions and answers are deleted immediately in order to ensure optimal data protection. The online voice assistant can be deactivated either in the settings area of the app or in the infotainment system’s privacy settings.

The technology is currently available in English (US), English (UK), Spanish, Czech and German.

Its use in has been made possible thanks to a collaboration with Cerence and its Cerence Chat Pro, which uses a variety of sources – including ChatGPT – to enable IDA to provide accurate and relevant responses to queries.