GM outlines AI plan and 2028 highway self-driving, starting with Cadillac Escalade IQ

General Motors said it held its 'GM Forward' event in New York on 21 October (local time), where it presented plans to apply AI across vehicle development, production, vehicle computing and customer experience. Chair Mary Barra and other senior staff attended. Dong-A Ilbo described GM Forward as an annual event presenting GM's future vehicle technology and development strategy. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]

GM plans to introduce highway autonomous driving from 2028, starting with the Cadillac Escalade IQ, according to Asia Economy and Dong-A Ilbo. Maeil Business said the feature would come to some models from 2028 and then be extended. Dong-A Ilbo said the next-generation technology aims to reduce driver involvement beyond the current Super Cruise, which it described as a Level 2 driver-assistance system. The 2028 system is an 'eyes-off' technology that, under set driving conditions, lets drivers take their hands off the wheel and stop watching the road ahead. Dong-A Ilbo said GM announced last year that eyes-off would debut on the 2028 Escalade IQ, and that the new plan extends it to high-volume models such as full-size SUVs and pickup trucks. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]

Barra said, in Dong-A Ilbo's translation, that GM would show the result of its next-generation technology through the 2028 Escalade IQ, and that the technology would give time back to drivers. GM said it is validating the eyes-off technology on pre-production research vehicles on a test track closed to outside vehicles. Dong-A Ilbo reported that GM's ultimate goal is vehicles that move on their own, which it called a long-term vision distinct from the 2028 system. Chief product officer Sterling Anderson was quoted as saying GM expects vehicles to be able to handle everyday errands such as collecting groceries or laundry. [ 2 , 3 ]

GM's approach combines a common computing platform, its own data pipeline and specialised AI models. Vehicles will use a software-defined platform and centralised computing architecture, with features improved through software updates. Dong-A Ilbo reported that the core is a liquid-cooled central compute unit designed by GM, with about 40 times the computing performance of current vehicles. It also reported that a zonal aggregator and high-speed Ethernet would handle 36 times more data and cut wiring length and weight by 30%. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]

For development and production, GM said it will use AI, virtualisation and digital thread technology to speed design and validation, linking design, engineering and production. Dong-A Ilbo reported that GM aims to cut development time to about half by validating hundreds of thousands of design options in virtual environments. On electric vehicles, the fourth-generation platform will use LMR batteries and a new drive unit to improve cost and performance. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]

GM said it will develop its OnStar AI connected service to understand vehicle status, features and the customer's situation and offer help. It also unveiled Concept Horizon, which recasts a self-driving car's interior as a space for work, rest and leisure. Barra was quoted by Dong-A Ilbo as saying GM is changing the meaning of driving and will make the car an intelligent partner that makes life more convenient. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]