Ed Nightingale, vice president of digital products at General Motors, spoke to FOX Business about OnStar AI Assistant, privacy and data security.
General Motors is expanding its self-driving technology to more of its vehicles as the automaker invests in AI and software that could become a growing source of revenue.
The automaker said Wednesday at its “GM Forward” event that it plans to expand “eyes-free” autonomous driving to pickup trucks, crossovers and large SUVs after the technology debuts in the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028.
“We are changing what it means to drive and transforming your car into a smart partner that makes your life easier,” said Mary Barra, GM president and CEO.
The technology would allow drivers to take their eyes off the road while the vehicle is driving in certain conditions, first on highways before expanding to other roads.
“It will land in light pickup trucks, it will land in crossovers. It will start on highways, and it will extend off highways for the rest of your journey,” said Sterling Anderson, GM’s chief product officer.
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General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra speaks at the automaker’s “GM Forward” event in New York on October 21, 2026.
GM’s long-term vision goes further. The automaker eventually wants vehicles to be able to perform certain tasks without anyone inside, such as grocery shopping or dropping off laundry.
“Eventually, your car will be able to operate in what we internally call mission mode. Handle tedious tasks on your behalf, like running errands and dropping off laundry without you even being there,” Anderson added.
The autonomous driving push is part of a broader effort by GM to integrate more software and AI capabilities into its vehicles.
The company is developing a centralized computing platform that will be deployed across a wide range of its vehicles, while also introducing OnStar AI Assistant, an in-vehicle tool designed to better understand drivers, their vehicles and their preferences.
OnStar AI is expected to debut in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq before expanding to more GM vehicles. He will be able to answer questions about a vehicle, control certain functions and provide personalized assistance.
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A 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV is on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on September 14, 2023. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters)
Ed Nightingale, GM’s vice president of digital products, told FOX Business the company is initially focused on using OnStar AI to make it easier for drivers to interact with their vehicles.
“Initially, OnStar AI is really focused on deepening the vehicle experience,” Nightingale said.
GM is also looking to address privacy and security concerns by rolling out more connected and AI-based features.
Nightingale said customers will be able to see when their data is shared and choose to opt-in or opt-out. OnStar human advisors will also remain available as AI becomes more integrated into the service, including in emergencies.
“We always have a human available,” he said. “A human being is always there to help you.”
GM also includes some digital services with new vehicle purchases. Nightingale said buyers get eight years of OnStar Basics, which currently includes Google Gemini and will include OnStar AI Assistant when it becomes available.
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General Motors is showcasing its OnStar AI assistant and connected vehicle features at its “GM Forward” event in New York. (RENARD company)
Another upcoming feature, OnStar Connected Cameras, will allow drivers to access recordings captured by their vehicle’s cameras following certain incidents. GM said the recordings will be protected with end-to-end encryption and accessible only to the authorized account holder.
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These investments could also become an increasingly important source of revenue for GM.
UBS estimated last month that GM’s digital revenue could grow from $3.2 billion this year to $9.6 billion by 2036, calling the automaker’s digital capabilities an “underappreciated and undervalued opportunity.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
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