General Motors will introduce an AI assistant powered by Google’s Gemini technology in its vehicles starting in 2026, unveiled at the GM Forward event in New York.
This AI will enhance the driving experience across GM’s range of cars, SUVs, and trucks, arriving before more advanced features like redesigned electrical systems and hands-free driving modes, which are expected in 2028.
GM’s Gemini assistant builds on the existing “Google built-in” system found in Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC cars, which currently offers Google Assistant and Maps via infotainment screens. Since 2023, OnStar has used Google Cloud’s Dialogflow to manage driver requests such as navigation assistance.
Dave Richardson, GM’s senior vice president of software and services, highlighted the new assistant’s ability to understand natural speech better than traditional voice assistants.
“What’s great about large language models is they don’t seem to be affected by that. They have context about previous conversations that they can bring up. They’re flexible in how you speak to them, so overall you’re getting a better, more natural experience,” Richardson said.
The assistant will help with composing messages, planning routes that include stops like charging stations or cafés, and even answer questions by accessing the internet, such as “What’s the history of this bridge I’m driving over?” It will be available as an over-the-air update for OnStar-equipped vehicles from 2015 onwards.
GM plans this AI to evolve into a fully custom system integrated via OnStar, using vehicle data to provide maintenance alerts, explain features like one-pedal driving, and pre-condition climate settings.
Richardson explained the company’s method: “We’ll take a base model and train it on the vehicle’s specifications, distil that down, and have that running on the vehicle.”
While Google’s Gemini will be the initial AI model, GM intends to test others from OpenAI, Anthropic, and more. Privacy remains a priority; GM insists all data collected will be used only to improve the system, not sold. The company has bolstered its privacy team, including Christina Montgomery, formerly IBM’s chief privacy officer.
“Everything that we’re going to do is going to be driven by customer consent, so you can always opt in or opt out,” Richardson said. “Our viewpoint is that data and privacy has to be built into everything that we do.”