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Volkswagen To Enhance In-Car Voice Assistance With ChatGPT Integration
Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the integration of ChatGPT into its voice assistant, Plus Speech. Starting September 6, 2024, this feature will be available in the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI models, as well as MY24 ID.4 vehicles with an 82-kWh battery. This enhancement aims to provide a more sophisticated and user-friendly voice experience.
Powered by Cerence Chat Pro, Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant now offers advanced capabilities. The ChatGPT-enabled voice assistance will be accessible through a Plus Speech with AI subscription in Volkswagen Car-Net®. Current owners of compatible MY24 ID.4 vehicles with an active Plus Speech subscription will have this functionality activated automatically next week.
Most 2025 Volkswagen models will come equipped with Plus Speech with AI as they enter the market. The ID.4 and ID. Buzz models include three years of Plus Speech with AI at no extra cost. Meanwhile, the GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan offer one year included with vehicle purchase. For the Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Taos models, customers can purchase a Plus Speech with AI subscription via the myVW mobile app.
The integration of Cerence Chat Pro enhances the original Plus Speech subscription using generative AI. This allows Volkswagen’s IDA voice assistant to control navigation, infotainment, and climate settings while also answering general knowledge questions and engaging in natural conversations.
The voice assistant is activated by saying "Hello IDA" or "Hello Volkswagen" or by pressing a button on the steering wheel. Previously, users could ask specific commands like setting the temperature to 70 degrees. Now, drivers can express themselves more naturally; for instance, saying "Hi IDA, I'm chilly" will prompt the system to activate the heating.
If the car's local system cannot fulfil a request, it connects to the cloud where Cerence Chat Pro processes queries using multiple sources including ChatGPT. This enables the IDA voice assistant to handle complex questions beyond standard automotive functions such as suggesting restaurants or creating stories for entertainment during drives.
Data Protection and Security
ChatGPT does not access vehicle data; all session contextual data is deleted immediately to ensure maximum data protection. The feature prioritises security while seamlessly integrating with various capabilities of the voice assistant.
Volkswagen Group of America operates a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee which produces Volkswagen brand vehicles including Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and ID.4 models. The global Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker.
Future Availability
The ChatGPT functionality will be included in Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models starting in 2026. MY25 ID.4 vehicles equipped with a 62-kWh battery will also be ChatGPT ready later this year.
Cerence Inc., listed on NASDAQ as CRNC, leads in creating unique experiences for mobility through intuitive AI-powered interactions between humans and their vehicles. With over 20 years of expertise and technology in more than 500 million cars globally, Cerence continues to advance connected mobility solutions.
This new integration transforms driving into a hands-free journey by enabling natural conversations and providing accurate responses to nearly every query imaginable.
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