ChatGPT will be integrated as a virtual assistant for cars

ChatGPT has been used for essays, email writing... since its release in November and was integrated into the new version of Microsoft Bing last month in an effort to regain ground against rival Google.

Microsoft, which has invested billions in OpenAI, has also partnered with General Motors (GM) as the automaker seeks help improving its self-driving technology. Now, GM hopes to use that partnership to incorporate technology that will make ChatGPT an in-car assistant that can respond to verbal commands.

Reported examples include an assistant that can open a video on “how to change a flat tire,” or be able to diagnose the severity of a check engine light.

General Motors is said to be integrating ChatGPT into its in-car virtual assistant. Photo: Xinhua

A ChatGPT-based assistant could potentially pull up information in the owner's manual or be programmed to use functions like garage door codes, Scott Miller, GM's vice president of operating systems and software-defined vehicles, told Reuters.

Confirming with Semafor, Mr. Miller informed that GM is developing an AI assistant capable of performing more than the simple voice commands that have been used in GM cars before.

In another development, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said 2023 is the year the company will surpass its traditional competitors and begin efforts to close the gap with Tesla in the electric car race.

“This is going to be our turning point year. I know this is our breakthrough year because of the products we can meet the market demand,” Ms. Barra said in an interview.

GM’s semiconductor supply has improved, so the company should be able to increase sales of both conventional and electric vehicles. Its Ohio battery plant, operated by Ultium Cells LLC, is increasing production by 20% per quarter, providing EV assembly plants with what they need. GM has said it will increase EV sales to $50 billion by 2025.

Last year, GM sold 40,000 vehicles, behind Tesla and Ford. Almost all of GM’s plug-in sales were of the compact Chevrolet Bolt, which uses previous-generation technology. This year, Tesla will remain the top-selling electric carmaker with 427,000 units sold, while GM will surpass Ford with 117,000 units, according to research from LMC Automotive.