General Motors (GM) is stepping into the next phase of in-car intelligence with the announcement that it will integrate Google’s Gemini AI assistant into its vehicles beginning in 2026. The move was revealed during the company’s GM Forward event in New York City, marking a major milestone in the automaker’s journey toward smarter, more connected vehicles.
Gemini AI to Power Next-Gen GM Vehicles
The Gemini-powered assistant will debut across Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC models, enhancing GM’s existing “Google built-in” ecosystem. This upgrade follows the company’s earlier integration of Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play directly into its infotainment systems. Now, with Gemini’s large language model (LLM) technology, drivers will experience more natural, context-aware conversations with their cars.
According to Dave Richardson, GM’s Senior Vice President of Software and Services, Gemini will fix one of the biggest frustrations with current voice assistants: limited understanding. “Large language models like Gemini can grasp context, accents, and conversational tone,” Richardson explained. “That means no more repeating commands it just understands what you mean.”
Smarter, More Capable Driving Experience
The Gemini AI assistant promises a smoother, more intuitive interaction between driver and vehicle. Users will be able to draft and send messages, plan multi-stop routes, and even ask questions about their surroundings, such as “What’s the history of this bridge?” The assistant can also connect to the web for real-time information, transforming the driving experience into something more engaging and informative.
GM plans to roll out Gemini as an over-the-air (OTA) upgrade via the Google Play Store for OnStar-equipped vehicles from model year 2015 and above. This will extend the new AI capabilities to millions of existing GM vehicles without requiring a new purchase.
Privacy, Data, and Personalization
Addressing privacy concerns, GM emphasized that data collection will be consent-based. Richardson assured that customer data will not be sold to third parties a critical stance following past controversies involving driver data sales. “Everything we do is driven by customer consent,” he said. “Privacy and transparency are core to this experience.”
The AI assistant will also learn driver habits to offer personalized recommendations from suggesting preferred routes to managing climate control settings before entry. It will even explain in-vehicle features like one-pedal driving or energy usage in electric models.
The Road Ahead
GM’s Gemini partnership is just the beginning. The company plans to experiment with other foundational models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI providers to further refine its in-car intelligence. The long-term goal is to develop a custom-built AI system deeply integrated with OnStar, enabling predictive maintenance, adaptive navigation, and enhanced driver comfort.
By merging AI innovation with automotive expertise, GM aims to make driving safer, more efficient, and more human. As the company gears up for 2026, the Gemini-powered assistant could redefine what it means to have a truly “smart car.”
