Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda climbs aboard the ChatGPT bandwagon with AI-powered infotainment due this summer

An AI-powered chatbot will be integrated into Skoda’s latest infotainment system from mid-2024

Skoda ChatGPT infotainment

Skoda is adding artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT to its next-generation infotainment system, following the lead of sister brand Volkswagen who debuted the technology at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

ChatGPT will be used to enhance Skoda’s voice assistant ‘Laura’ and feature in select versions of the all-electric Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe, the next generations of the Skoda Superb and Kodiaq SUV launching later this year, and the facelifted Octavia that’s due to be unveiled in February 2024. 

Currently, Skoda’s voice assistant can be used to control the infotainment and air conditioning, and answer some general knowledge questions, among other things. But in the future, AI will enable new capabilities such as answering other questions using intuitive language and “enriching conversations”.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Activating the voice assistant won’t be any different, with drivers or passengers only needing to say “Okay, Laura” or press a steering wheel button. If the car’s system can’t fulfil a request, then it will call on the AI for help. Skoda is keen to emphasise that ChatGPT does not access any vehicle data or personal information, and that all interactions are immediately deleted after processing to protect your data.

Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer believes “enriching Skoda voice assistance with artificial intelligence makes our cars an even better everyday companion. Drivers and passengers will have easy, verbal access to worlds of knowledge while on the road.”

He added, “Integrating ChatGPT into our voice assistant Laura is just the latest way that Škoda adapts advanced technology to improve the driving experience. Everything remains hands-free for the driver, and data security remains a priority.”

This new functionality is powered by the Cerence Chat Pro system from Skoda’s technology partner Cerence Inc – the same company that worked with Volkswagen to add ChatGPT to the facelifted Golf, among other models. DS has also added the generative AI chatbot to every model across its range, choosing to focus more on its ability to provide travel advice and information about places nearby.

Do you want AI in your car? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Bold new Skoda Vision 7S prepares to shake up the 7-seat SUV market in 2026
Skoda Vision 7S spy shot - front 3/4

Bold new Skoda Vision 7S prepares to shake up the 7-seat SUV market in 2026

Skoda’s seven-seater EV is marching ever-closer to production and the latest spy shots confirm its bold design changes
News
11 Apr 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
Radical Honda 0 SUV prototype makes public debut, and you’ll never guess who was driving
Honda 0 SUV prototype being driven by Max Verstappen - front

Radical Honda 0 SUV prototype makes public debut, and you’ll never guess who was driving

The new electric SUV will be pivotal to Honda’s future, and is due to go into production next year
News
3 Apr 2025
No electric Skoda supermini as Czech brand focuses on SUV future
Skoda EV

No electric Skoda supermini as Czech brand focuses on SUV future

Skoda will double down on SUVs, with no electric alternative to the Volkswagen ID.1 or ID.2 in the works
News
3 Apr 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 May 2025
Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots
Opinion - Kia

Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots

Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Opinion
19 May 2025