Volkswagen to Deploy AI Voice Assistants in China-Market Cars Using Local Tech
In the latter half of 2023, Volkswagen plans to roll out AI voice assistants in its vehicles aimed at the Chinese market, utilizing a large language model developed locally with support from Tencent, Alibaba, and Baidu. All models on Volkswagen's China platform will primarily rely on voice commands for interaction. During a Group Media Night held in Beijing, the company showcased four new vehicles, including the ID. UNYX, created in collaboration with Xpeng, and the fully electric ID. AURA series. An integrated AI system for driver-assist features is slated for release next year. Volkswagen has also invested in Xpeng and Horizon Robotics, opting out of Nvidia hardware. The Hefei research center will now oversee technology decisions, targeting over 20 electrified vehicles in China by 2026.
Key facts
- Volkswagen will add AI voice assistants to China-market cars in the second half of this year
- The AI system uses technology from Tencent, Alibaba, and Baidu
- Voice commands are the primary interface for the AI agents
- The system runs locally on the car rather than relying on cloud connectivity
- Volkswagen unveiled four vehicles at a Group Media Night in Beijing
- A new ID. UNYX category model was co-developed with Xpeng over two years
- Volkswagen plans to launch a single agentic AI system next year integrating driver-assist and cockpit controls
- The company aims to launch over 20 new electrified vehicles in China in 2026
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Ulbrich
Institutions
- Volkswagen
- Tencent
- Alibaba
- Baidu
- Xpeng
- Horizon Robotics
- Nvidia
- FAW-Volkswagen
- CNBC
Locations
- China
- Beijing
- Hefei
- Germany
Sources
- Quartz —