General Motors (GM) has revealed an ambitious plan to embed the latest artificial intelligence innovations developed by Google across its vehicles and manufacturing operations (via CNBC News).
At the company’s “GM Forward” event in New York, GM’s leadership outlined two key headline milestones: the launch of a conversational AI assistant powered by Google’s Gemini model beginning in 2026, and the rollout of “eyes-off” highway driving capabilities slated for 2028.
The upcoming 2026 rollout is slated to bring the Gemini-based assistant to GM’s full vehicle lineup. The system will leverage natural-language processing and deep integration with vehicle systems so drivers can converse with their car much more fluidly. For example, the assistant is expected to plan multi-stop routes, suggest charging stops for EVs, draft messages, and control in-car features using voice commands.
The applied tech builds on GM’s existing “Google built-in” platform that already powers features such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play in Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC models.
Beyond the assistant, GM detailed its autonomous driving roadmap. The “eyes-off” capability, expected in the 2028 version of the Cadillac Escalade IQ, will allow drivers to take their eyes off the road under certain highway conditions while the vehicle controls driving. When the system is active, special dashboard lighting will signal that the car is in control.
GM underscored that its AI and software transformation is not purely about entertainment or voice control. The automaker is integrating AI into manufacturing, vehicle operations and customer engagement in a holistic fashion.
The collaboration with Google signals a deepening of GM’s previous AI efforts. The partnership originally began in 2019 when GM announced vehicles would ship with Google built-in features.
That evolved into a broader engagement in 2022 when GM’s OnStar Interactive Virtual Assistant began using Google Cloud’s Dialogflow conversational platform to handle over one million customer queries each month.
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If GM and Apple was "partnering up" and removing Android Auto, I'm pretty sure there would be a lawsuit. Funny how many companies like to sue Apple because of unfair practices. But GM purposely omitting Airplay from their future cars and going all in with Google is cool.
Android Auto is also being removed.
Oh. And being replaced with??? Android-powered infotainment implementation with a Google Gemini-powered assistant. Please be serious.
I am serious, it is being removed.