The over-the-air update replaces Google Assistant in 2022 and newer Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles, overshadowed by GM’s data-sharing controversy and a potential FTC consent order.
General Motors is launching Google Gemini in about four million U.S. vehicles, marking one of the largest generative AI assistant deployments in the automotive sector.
As of April 28, an over-the-air Play Store update will replace the current Google Assistant in 2022 and newer Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC models with Google Built-in.
“Gemini provides conversational AI to millions of drivers across segments for various everyday needs. This scale is due to GM’s connected vehicle foundation built via OnStar over 30 years,” said Tim Twerdahl, GM’s Global VP of Product Management.
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“Later this year, GM plans to deliver a more integrated AI experience with OnStar intelligence.”
The scope is credible; four million vehicles likely surpasses any single-OEM conversational AI assistant deployment.
This reach results from GM’s decade-long Android Automotive OS investment, offering native Google apps access and connectivity through OnStar since 1996.
The shift from Google Assistant to Gemini enhances conversational depth, accommodating free-form requests, maintaining context, and addressing accent variations and non-standard phrasing better.
For drivers, the notable change is in handling multi-part requests and task-switching, as illustrated by asking for directions, texting, and refining routes within one conversation.
The assistant integrates with apps like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, HBO Max, Hulu, and Prime Video, utilizing web search for location and context-aware queries.
To receive the update, drivers need OnStar connectivity, Google Play Store sign-in, and US English as the assistant language, with a phased US rollout and other markets to follow.
For 2025 and newer models, basic OnStar voice features and Gemini access are free for eight years within the standard OnStar Basics package.
GM sees Gemini as a step towards deploying a custom-built AI assistant tailored to vehicle data and learning personal preferences, intended for release ‘later this year.’
Gemini serves as a commercial bridge, providing four million users an improved AI experience while GM builds a vehicle-specific layer. This involves using a base model refined on vehicle data, scaled down, and run on the vehicle.
This hybrid on-vehicle and cloud setup will be important as models expand, regulatory scrutiny increases, and market connectivity varies.
The competition is intense. Stellantis collaborates with Mistral on in-car assistants, Mercedes-Benz uses ChatGPT, and Tesla deploys xAI’s Grok across its fleet.
BMW has its own AI assistant. GM’s incremental approach uses Android Automotive and Gemini while creating its own layer, with a scale no competitor currently matches.
The announcement coincides with a data controversy. In January 2025, the FTC acted against GM and OnStar for sharing location and driving data with insurers allegedly without clear consent.
The order stops GM from selling such data without explicit approval for five years. GM’s data practices have faced backlash due to reports of sharing driving scores with insurers, affecting premiums without driver awareness.
Introducing an AI assistant accessing vehicle data and learning personal preferences amplifies past concerns. GM asserts drivers control data access and emphasizes a ‘privacy-focused’ integration.</