General Motors is taking a bold step by creating its own native AI assistant for vehicles, aiming to surpass the capabilities of the Google Gemini system it started deploying earlier this year. The new assistant will dive deeper into car-specific features using real-time vehicle data and OnStar intelligence, promising a more tailored driving experience.
From Google Gemini to GM's Custom AI
Since April, GM has been rolling out the Google Gemini AI in roughly 4 million Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC models from 2022 onward. This AI enables drivers to control temperature, audio, and other functions through natural conversation without memorizing commands. It has even started offering "live sessions" with interactive elements like trivia and casual chat. However, despite these advances, Gemini operates similarly to smartphone assistants and does not fully exploit the vehicle's unique data.
Building Deep Integration with Vehicle Systems
GM plans to launch its own assistant later this year, developed on a large language model from an undisclosed provider. Anna Santos, GM’s director of product management for voice and AI, explained that this new system will combine conversational AI with detailed vehicle knowledge and OnStar’s telemetry intelligence. This integration aims to enable features beyond Google Gemini’s reach, including predictive maintenance alerts, continuous vehicle monitoring, and a "kid’s mode" letting parents control multiple settings like doors, seats, temperature, and media with a single command.
This move allows GM to gain control over key software, data, and customer relations as digital service revenues rise, marking a shift from relying on third-party AI providers to owning more of the user experience directly.
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