Google Gemini AI Assistant Set to Arrive in GM Vehicles
Key Points
- Google Gemini will be integrated into GM cars, trucks, and SUVs starting next year.
- The AI assistant can access vehicle data to alert drivers about maintenance issues.
- Drivers will be able to control climate settings, plan routes, and ask contextual questions.
- Gemini will be delivered as an over‑the‑air upgrade via the Play Store to OnStar‑equipped vehicles.
- Compatibility extends to GM models from the 2015 model year onward.
- GM emphasizes privacy controls after an FTC ban on selling driver data.
- The new assistant will coexist with the existing Google built‑in operating system.
- GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as it expands its AI ecosystem.
General Motors announced that its vehicles will receive Google Gemini, a conversational AI assistant, beginning next year. The Gemini-powered chat will integrate with OnStar-equipped cars, accessing vehicle data to alert drivers about maintenance, control climate settings, plan routes, and answer contextual questions such as the history of nearby landmarks. Available as an over‑the‑air upgrade through the Play Store, the system will support models from the 2015 model year onward. GM emphasized privacy controls after a recent FTC ban on selling driver data, promising users will manage what information the assistant can use.
Google Gemini Integration With GM Vehicles
General Motors disclosed that its upcoming fleet of cars, trucks, and SUVs will incorporate Google Gemini, a conversational AI assistant powered by Google’s large language model platform. The integration is slated to begin next year and will be delivered as an over‑the‑air update via the Play Store to vehicles equipped with OnStar.
Gemini will function as a chat‑based assistant that can tap into a vehicle’s data systems. It will alert drivers to maintenance concerns, enable remote control of climate features such as heating and air conditioning, and assist with route planning. The assistant will also answer contextual queries, for example providing historical information about a bridge the driver is passing.
Compatibility and Rollout
The Gemini assistant will be compatible with GM models dating back to the 2015 model year, extending the upgrade path beyond newer releases. GM indicated that the new chatbot will coexist with the existing "Google built‑in" operating system that already offers Google Maps, Google Assistant, and related apps. However, Gemini is expected to deliver more accurate and nuanced responses thanks to its large language model foundation.
GM plans to make the Gemini assistant available through the Play Store, allowing owners to download the software as an over‑the‑air upgrade. This approach ensures that the feature can be added to existing vehicles without requiring a physical service visit.
Privacy and Data Controls
The announcement follows a recent FTC ruling that barred GM from selling driver data for a five‑year period after the company was found to have shared information from its OnStar Smart Driver program with insurance firms without user consent. In response, GM stressed that the Gemini integration will be privacy‑focused. Drivers will have the ability to control what data the assistant can access and use, providing transparency and choice over personal information.
Future Outlook
Alongside the Gemini rollout, GM discussed broader initiatives at its Forward media event, including a self‑driving platform slated for 2028 and a proprietary computing platform scheduled for the same year. The company also indicated it will phase out its integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over the next several years as it transitions to its own AI‑driven ecosystem.
Overall, the Gemini integration represents GM’s push to embed advanced AI capabilities into its vehicles, aiming to improve driver experience, enhance safety, and maintain tighter control over data privacy.