Skoda vehicles to integrate ChatGPT

Skoda has announced that its cars will be integrating AI-based chatbot ChatGPT into its Laura voice assistant.

The chatbot will arrive in Skoda models based on the MEB GP and MQB EVO platforms equipped with the latest generation of infotainment systems from mid-2024. These include selected versions of the Enyaq, the new Skoda Superb and Kodiaq, as well as the upcoming updated Octavia (catch our review of the current Octavia here).

The Laura voice assistant can be used to control the infotainment, navigation, and air-conditioning settings as well as to answer general knowledge questions, while AI will provide additional information and answer other questions that fall beyond the scope of Skoda's own voice assistant system. The chatbot will also be able to enrich conversations, clearing up questions, and allow the voice assistant to interact with users in an intuitive language, on top of delivering vehicle-specific information.

Users will continue to be able to activate the voice assistant by simply saying "Okay, Laura" or by pressing the respective steering wheel button. If a user's request cannot be answered by the Skoda system, it will then be forwarded to ChatGPT. Skoda states that the AI chatbot will not have access to vehicle data or personal information, and all interactions will be immediately deleted after processing to ensure the highest standard of data protection.