GM unveils Google Gemini AI assistant and eyes-off driving by 2028

General Motors unveiled a comprehensive software strategy targeting 2025-2028, including Google’s Gemini AI assistant for vehicles and an advanced “eyes-off” driving system that will debut on the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028. The announcements represent GM’s latest attempt to transform from a traditional automaker into a technology-focused mobility company, following previous setbacks including the cancellation of its Ultra Cruise system and Cruise robotaxi division.

What you should know: GM’s new AI and autonomous driving initiatives aim to create vehicles that function as intelligent assistants rather than simple transportation.

• The Google Gemini AI will launch in GM vehicles next year, enabling natural conversation between drivers and their cars “as naturally as you would to a fellow passenger.”
• The hands-free, eyes-off driving system will use lidar technology (laser-based sensors that help cars “see” their surroundings) and allow drivers to completely disengage from monitoring the road under certain conditions.
• GM plans to update vehicles from the 2016 model year forward with AI technology, starting with select models in 2025.

The big picture: GM is positioning these initiatives as fundamentally different from past failed attempts, emphasizing tangible products entering the market rather than distant promises.

• The company previously announced plans in 2021 to double revenue by 2030 and grow software services revenue to $20-25 billion annually, goals that have been walked back or delayed.
• GM killed its Ultra Cruise system, originally due in 2023, and folded its Cruise robotaxi business after struggling to achieve autonomous driving milestones.
• Current software services revenue reached $2 billion in Q3 2024, with $5 billion in deferred revenue up 90% year-over-year.

Key technical details: The new systems will rely on a centralized computing platform and multiple sensing technologies to achieve advanced capabilities.

• The centralized computing platform will first roll out with the Escalade IQ in 2028, serving as what Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson called a “foundational piece” for vehicle capabilities.
• GM’s autonomous system will use lidar technology, contrasting with Tesla’s camera-only approach, with Anderson stating “your product will be better with multiple modes of sensing, period.”
• The company plans to develop its own custom AI technology beyond the Google partnership, though no specific timeline was provided.

What they’re saying: GM executives emphasized the transformative potential of their new approach while acknowledging past challenges.

• “Our vision is to create a car that knows you, that looks out for you, and just meets your needs, even before you say,” said Sterling Anderson, GM’s chief product officer.
• CEO Mary Barra promised the rollout of the new system will be “significantly faster than the company’s initial expansion of Super Cruise.”
• “Just be clear, we’re developing a self driving product,” Anderson told CNBC. “It’s an eyes-off, self-driving system.”

Beyond vehicles: GM is expanding its energy business with new leasing options for home power systems starting in 2026.

• The Energy Home System includes bi-directional EV charging (allowing cars to power homes during outages) and stationary home batteries, initially available through leasing rather than purchase.
• The service will first target GM EV owners before expanding to other homeowners interested in backup power and solar integration.
• GM Energy launched in 2022 to compete with Tesla’s home energy systems, though the company hasn’t disclosed specific revenue figures for the division.

Market context: The announcements come as GM reported strong Q3 earnings and raised guidance, pushing the stock to its second-best day since emerging from bankruptcy in 2009.

• GM’s revenue grew 9.1% last year to $187.44 billion, with President Mark Reuss saying revenue plans are “pretty much on track” despite being “maybe a year or two different” from original timelines.
• The company’s current Super Cruise system operates on 600,000 miles of pre-mapped roads in North America, making GM the first automaker to offer hands-free driving when it launched in 2016.