General Motors is expanding its autonomous driving technology to a broader range of vehicles, outlining plans to bring ‘eyes-off’ capabilities to pickup trucks, crossovers, and large SUVs. The announcement was made during the automaker’s ‘GM Forward’ event in New York City.
The technology, which allows drivers to take their eyes off the road while the vehicle handles operation under specific conditions, will debut in the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028 before expanding into light-duty pickups and crossovers. Company executives noted the system will initially function on highways before eventually expanding to handle other roads for the remainder of a drive.
Looking further ahead, the manufacturer’s long-term vision includes an internal initiative termed ‘mission mode,’ which would enable vehicles to complete tasks without any occupants inside, such as retrieving groceries or handling laundry drop-offs.
The push toward advanced autonomy is part of a wider corporate strategy to integrate more software and artificial intelligence capabilities into production models. This strategy includes developing a centralized computing platform slated for rollout across a wide range of vehicles, alongside the introduction of the OnStar AI Assistant.
Designed to comprehend drivers, their preferences, and vehicle functions, the OnStar AI Assistant is scheduled to debut in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq prior to wider deployment. According to company digital product leadership, the initial focus for the AI tool is enhancing the in-vehicle experience by simplifying how drivers interact with their automobiles, while human OnStar advisors will remain accessible, particularly for emergency assistance.
To address safety and data privacy concerns associated with connected vehicle features, management stated that customers will have visibility into data sharing and the ability to opt in or out. Additionally, upcoming OnStar-connected cameras will provide drivers with access to recordings captured following specific incidents, protected by end-to-end encryption and restricted to authorized account holders.
As part of vehicle purchases, buyers will receive eight years of OnStar Basics services, which currently incorporates Google Gemini and will transition to include the OnStar AI Assistant upon availability. Financial projections from financial institutions suggest that the automaker’s expanding digital capabilities and software investments could grow significantly over the coming decade.
