General Motors Expands Autonomous Driving and AI Features
General Motors is gearing up to roll out its autonomous driving technology to more vehicle types, aiming to harness AI and software as a potential revenue stream. During its “GM Forward” event, the company announced plans to implement “eyes-off” driving technology in pickup trucks, crossovers, and large SUVs, starting with the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028.
“We’re changing what it means to drive, transforming your car into an intelligent partner that simplifies your life,” stated Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO.
This technology would enable drivers to relax their focus from the road and let the vehicle take over in specific situations, initially on highways and eventually on other routes.
“It’s going to be introduced in light-duty pickups and crossovers, starting on highways and then extending beyond that,” remarked Sterling Anderson, GM Chief Product Officer.
The automaker’s long-term vision is quite ambitious. They foresee a day when vehicles can handle tasks like picking up groceries or returning laundry all on their own.
“At some point, your car will work in what we call mission mode, managing mundane tasks for you, even without you aboard,” Anderson added.
This drive towards autonomous technology is part of GM’s broader initiative to infuse more software and AI into its vehicles.
The company is also developing a centralized computing system that will be integrated across a variety of its models. Alongside this, the OnStar AI Assistant is set to be launched, aimed at enhancing the driving experience by better understanding driver needs and preferences.
The OnStar AI Assistant is anticipated to debut in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq before being rolled out to additional GM vehicles. It promises to answer vehicle-related inquiries, control certain functions, and offer personalized support.
Ed Nightingale, GM’s vice president of digital products, indicated that the initial goal for the OnStar AI Assistant is to enhance user interaction with their vehicles.
“Initially, OnStar AI is focused on enriching the vehicle experience,” Nightingale commented.
As GM integrates more connected features powered by AI, the company is also prioritizing customer privacy and safety. Nightingale noted that users will have visibility into when their data is shared and will retain the option to opt in or out. Importantly, human advisors will still be available for assistance, especially during emergencies.
“We always have a human available,” he emphasized. “There’s always someone there to help you out.”
Additionally, new vehicle purchases will come with digital services, including eight years of OnStar Basics, which will eventually feature the OnStar AI Assistant.
Another anticipated feature involves OnStar-connected cameras, which will provide drivers access to recordings from their vehicle’s cameras in the event of specific incidents. GM assured that these recordings would be secured with end-to-end encryption and accessible only to authorized users.
The push into AI and digital services could become an increasingly significant revenue avenue for GM. UBS recently projected that GM’s digital revenue might rise from $3.2 billion this year to $9.6 billion by 2036, characterizing the automaker’s digital capabilities as an “undervalued opportunity.”
