Volkswagen announces voice AI in its Chinese cars from later this year
Volkswagen Unveils AI Voice Commands for Chinese Market
Volkswagen, the renowned German auto manufacturer, has recently announced a groundbreaking development for the Chinese market. The company is set to introduce AI voice commands in all vehicles based on Volkswagen’s China car system starting in the second half of this year. This cutting-edge technology will allow drivers to control various car features using voice commands, creating a more seamless and intuitive driving experience.
“The car should be like a companion,” stated Thomas Ulbrich, the CTO of Volkswagen China, in an interview with CNBC. He emphasized the company’s commitment to creating an in-car AI agent that can anticipate a driver’s needs and provide a personalized experience. To achieve this, Volkswagen has partnered with tech giants such as Tencent, Alibaba, and Baidu to leverage their expertise in AI technology.
One of the key highlights of this new system is that the AI agent runs entirely on the car, eliminating the need for cloud connectivity. This ensures faster response times and greater data security for drivers. Volkswagen showcased four new cars in Beijing, including the ID. UNYX 09, a vehicle co-developed with EV maker Xpeng over a span of two years.
This strategic move by Volkswagen comes at a time when the Chinese market is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles. To stay competitive, Volkswagen has made significant investments in China, including partnerships with Xpeng and automotive chipmaker Horizon Robotics. Notably, the company has opted to use Xpeng’s Turing chip in its electric SUVs, departing from the use of Nvidia chips in China.
Looking ahead, Volkswagen plans to leverage agentic AI technology to power a unified driver-assist and cockpit control system starting next year. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to streamline technology development and reduce time to market. By establishing a research center in Hefei, Volkswagen aims to accelerate innovation and cater to the evolving needs of the Chinese automotive market.
The German Chamber of Commerce in China recently released a report highlighting the increased R&D activities of German automotive companies in China. According to the report, localizing R&D has helped lower costs and enhance innovation speed for these companies. With a focus on serving both local and global markets, German automotive industry players are poised to drive future advancements in the Chinese automotive sector.
In conclusion, Volkswagen’s integration of AI voice commands represents a significant leap forward in the automotive industry. By harnessing the power of AI technology, Volkswagen is paving the way for a more connected and intelligent driving experience for Chinese consumers.
