The voice assistant promises a smarter, more natural driving experience—marking GM’s biggest generative AI rollout ahead of its fully autonomous ambitions.
Smarter Conversations Coming to the Driver’s Seat
General Motors will begin integrating a Google Gemini-powered AI assistant into its vehicles starting in 2026, the company announced at its GM Forward event in New York City. This marks a major leap in GM’s push to bring natural language AI and smarter digital experiences to drivers.
The Gemini assistant will debut before GM’s other headline features—like its hands-off, eyes-off driving system and next-gen computing architecture, both expected by 2028.
Built on Google, Upgraded for the Road
GM already partners with Google through its “Google built-in” operating system, offering apps like Google Maps and Assistant directly on infotainment screens in Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles.
This new AI assistant will replace and enhance the current voice experience by tapping into Gemini’s large language models, enabling:
- More natural conversations, with context memory
- Improved understanding of accents and informal commands
- Smarter responses, even with vague phrasing
“They’re flexible in how you speak to them … so overall you’re getting a better, more natural experience,” said Dave Richardson, GM’s SVP of software and services.
What Gemini Will Actually Do
The Gemini assistant will go beyond simple navigation and music controls. It will offer multi-step routing, like planning a trip with charging stops and favorite coffee shops, help you prepare for meetings, and even answer general web-based queries—like the history of a bridge you’re crossing.
Key capabilities will include:
- Message drafting and sending
- Calendar prep and productivity tools
- Vehicle system integration via OnStar (AC control, maintenance alerts)
- Explaining in-car features, like one-pedal driving or regen braking
- Personalized suggestions based on your usage habits
Coming to New and Older Models
The Gemini assistant will be delivered via over-the-air (OTA) update through the Play Store. It will be available for OnStar-equipped GM vehicles from model year 2015 and newer—a move that greatly expands its potential reach across existing customers.
A Step Toward Custom AI Integration
GM sees Gemini as a stepping stone to its broader vision: a domain-specific AI assistant that connects deeply with the car’s internal systems via OnStar. Think of it as a car-mounted AI wearable that:
- Monitors and manages vehicle health
- Anticipates your climate preferences
- Offers maintenance tips and personalized coaching
“We’ll take a base model and train it on the vehicle’s specifications,” said Richardson. This vehicle-specific fine-tuning will allow the AI to provide more meaningful feedback and support.
Privacy in the Spotlight
GM’s announcement comes amid increased scrutiny over how carmakers handle user data. The automaker recently faced backlash for selling location and driving data to insurance companies.
In response, GM is making privacy a core principle of its AI rollout:
- Drivers control what data the assistant can access
- Opt-in/opt-out choices will be clearly available
- Data used strictly for product improvement, not monetization
To reinforce this, GM hired Christina Montgomery, former IBM Chief Privacy Officer, to lead data governance and customer trust efforts.
“Everything that we’re going to do is going to be driven by customer consent,” Richardson emphasized.
A Competitive, AI-Driven Road Ahead
GM is the latest automaker to embrace generative AI in vehicles, joining:
- Mercedes-Benz, integrating ChatGPT
- Tesla, bringing xAI’s Grok into its infotainment system
- Stellantis, working with French AI firm Mistral
As voice AI becomes a key interface for smart mobility, the automaker that delivers the most useful, private, and natural experience could gain a long-term edge.
