It’s Skoda’s turn to carpool with ChatGPT

Polished, knowledgeable, and discreet within the cabin, ChatGPT is definitely the perfect passenger for the 2024 automotive Year.

After the German cousin Volkswagen, it is logically Skoda Auto’s turn to announce the integration of the ChatGPT chatbot, based on AI, into its Laura voice assistant. New Skoda models will benefit from this feature. They will be able to access a vast AI database and receive spoken content while driving. Personal data and vehicle information will, however, be protected at all times.

The new chatbot will be offered with the latest generation of infotainment systems starting mid-2024. It will be available on models based on the latest versions of the MQB and MEB platforms: the latest Enyaq, the new generation Skoda Superb and Kodiaq, and the restyled Skoda Octavia. The Laura voice assistant can be used, for example, to control infotainment, navigation, and climate control, and to answer general knowledge questions. ChatGPT is constantly evolving and will, in the future, be able to provide even more useful information. This will allow drivers to get answers to their questions, interact easily with the vehicle, receive specific information, or enrich a conversation—all while keeping their hands free for safety.

The operation remains simple for the driver: the voice assistant is activated by saying “Ok, Laura” or by pressing the corresponding steering wheel button. If the Skoda system cannot answer the request, it is anonymously transmitted to AI. ChatGPT does not access vehicle data or personal information. All interactions are immediately deleted after processing to ensure the highest level of data protection.