VW - Repair and Service Redwood City - 2025 VW Golf teased at CES with integrated ChatGPT - Bosch European (650) 368-3000

 

 

 

Volkswagen will reveal an updated version of its Golf compact car later this month, and the automaker used 2024 CES currently underway in Las Vegas to reveal some of the planned technology updates.

The hightlight is the introduction of the ChatGPT AI system to enhance VW's IDA voice assistant. VW worked with technology company Carence to integrate ChatGPT into its vehicles' operating system and said the popular chatbot will become a standard feature in some markets starting in the second quarter of 2024.

With the prompt, “Hello IDA,” vehicle occupants will be able to use a combination of a vehicle's own voice assistant and ChatGPT to control some of the vehicle functions, such as media, navigation, and climate settings, as well as to answer general knowledge questions. The capabilities will be continuously expanded, VW said.

Initial models to receive the system will be the updated Golf, as well as the ID.7, ID.5, ID.4, ID.3, new Tiguan, and new Passat. VW said the feature is still being considered for the U.S. and more details about its availability will be announced in due course.

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI prototype

For anyone concerned about the potential for their personal data to be exposed, VW said ChatGPT doesn't gain access to any vehicle data, and questions and answers are deleted immediately after use.

The updated Golf is expected to reach the U.S. later this year as a 2025 model. Once again the U.S. is only likely to receive the sporty Golf GTI and Golf R grades.

VW presented a camouflaged prototype of the updated Golf GTI at CES. The prototype reveals minor styling changes like a revised front fascia, as well as a revised dash with a larger infotainment screen, plus more physical controls.

For the full updated Golf range, VW has promised new powertrains, new electronic driver-assist features, and next-generation software systems, including a new infotainment system. A manual transmission is also likely to be no longer offered.

Buyers looking for electric power will have to wait until the Golf's next redesign. VW last September confirmed the next Golf will be an electric vehicle based on Volkswagen Group's upcoming SSP modular platform. It means the Golf GTI and Golf R will also likely be EVs in their next iterations, so fans better start preparing to bid farewell to the idea of a gas engine in those cars. They have some time, as the SSP platform will be ready around 2028.

 source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1141953_2025-vw-golf-teased-at-ces-with-integrated-chatgpt

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com

BMW - Repair and Service Redwood City - BMW will only build EVs in Munich after 2027 - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

 

 

 BMW's historic plant in Munich, Germany, will transition to building electric vehicles at the end of 2027, the automaker announced on Wednesday.

The plant, which is adjacent to BMW's global headquarters, dates back to 1922, when BMW built aircraft engines. It has been churning out cars since 1952, starting with the BMW 501.

BMW has earmarked 650 million euros (approximately $714 million) to transform the plant for volume EV production, including expanding the site with an additional assembly area and a new body shop.

To free up space, engine production was moved last year to sites in Austria and the U.K. It means BMW no longer builds any engines in Germany.

Artist's impression of upgraded BMW plant in Munich, Germany

 

The Munich plant is currently responsible for the 3-Series and 4-Series lines, and will build the last combustion versions in late 2027. Roughly 1,000 cars are assembled at the site per day. In 2026, the plant will start production of a Neue Klasse EV, a sedan thought to be a member of the next-generation 3-Series family.

The first Neue Klasse EV will enter production in 2025 at a new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. Neue Klasse EVs are also scheduled to be built at plants in China and North America this decade.

 Neue Klasse, German for “New Class,” is a code-name for the next generation of BMW EVs that will use a newly developed platform. The vehicles will also introduce new design themes for the exterior and cabins of BMW vehicles, which were previewed last year on the Vision Neue Klasse concept. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse said at the reveal that the concept is a close representation of the upcoming Neue Klasse sedan.

 The sedan will be followed closely by an SUV, a prototype for which has been spotted. The SUV will likely be a member of the next-generation X3 family. The sedan and SUV will be followed in quick succession by four more Neue Klasse EVs, likely to be additional body styles rather distinct model lines.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1141982_bmw-will-exclusively-build-evs-in-munich-after-2027

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com