Volkswagen plans to add a popular AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT function into all its car and SUV models equipped with IDA voice assistant.

German automaker Volkswagen on Monday at CES 2024 in Las Vegas announced its plans to add an AI-powered chatbot to all the firm’s vehicle models equipped with IDA voice assistant. Namely, AI chatbot will be integrated into Volkswagen’s line of EV models such as the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.3, as well as its new Tiguan, Passat and Golf vehicles.

Based on software company Cerence’s Chat Pro product and a large language model from OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, the new service will be able to read any researched content out loud to drivers so that they don’t get distracted during a trip. Besides general knowledge questions, drivers can use it to control the infotainment, navigation and air conditioning.

The update is expected to roll out in the second quarter of 2024, starting with Europe. The introduction of the AI bot to Volkswagen models in the United States is “being considered,” still requiring some internal approvals.

According to Volkswagen representatives, the ChatGPT version employed in their cars offers benefits like “Enriching conversations, clearing up questions, interacting in intuitive language, receiving vehicle-specific information, and much more — purely hands-free.” Besides, as it leverages a more narrow large language model by Cerence, the new chatbot can potentially address about 10,000 requests specific to the vehicle, brand and operations.

Along with in-car payments, integrated AI chatbots are among the best new technologies present in modern cars.