General Motors (GM) has confirmed plans to launch hands-free, eyes-off highway driving in its Cadillac Escalade IQ by 2028, marking a major step towards advanced vehicle automation. The announcement underscores GM’s ongoing investment in automated driving, artificial intelligence (AI), and software-defined vehicles, even as it scales back electric vehicle (EV) production.
GM Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra said the new technologies will “define the next chapter” of the company’s evolution, highlighting innovations across brands such as Cadillac and Chevrolet.
GM’s shift from EV challenges to autonomous innovation
The news follows GM’s disclosure of a US$1.6 billion loss tied to its EV rollout, attributed to the expiration of the US$7,500 federal tax credit under President Donald Trump’s budget bill. Analysts have warned that the credit’s removal could severely impact EV demand and slow the United States’ progress in the global automotive market.
In response, GM is shifting focus towards autonomous driving, AI integration, and advanced vehicle software—technologies it believes can help maintain America’s competitive edge against rapid advancements from China.
GM’s upcoming Level 3 driving system will allow drivers to take their eyes off the road under certain conditions. The technology, first appearing in the 2028 Escalade IQ, will cover all US highways and be supported by enhanced perception and decision-making systems.
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Level 3 automation enables vehicles to manage most driving functions but still requires a driver to intervene when necessary. Critics have expressed concern about potential safety issues, as drivers must remain alert even while the vehicle handles most operations.
GM’s Chief Product Officer, Sterling Anderson—formerly a Tesla engineer who led the Model X and Autopilot teams—emphasised that safety remains GM’s top priority. “Our customers have driven over 700 million hands-free miles with Super Cruise without a single accident attributed to the technology,” he said. “I led Autopilot. You can’t say that for Autopilot.”
AI voice assistants and next-generation software platforms
Alongside autonomous driving, GM plans to integrate Google’s Gemini AI voice assistant into its vehicles starting next year, offering a more conversational experience. The company also aims to introduce its own AI assistant tailored to each driver’s preferences and vehicle intelligence. Anderson explained that future systems would allow for “contextual responses” to navigation and travel-related questions.
GM currently employs Google’s software in various in-car applications, including OnStar’s AI chatbot service. The automaker has also phased out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its EVs, opting for a fully integrated Android-based system.
The company is developing a new central computing platform, debuting in the 2028 Escalade IQ. GM described it as a “reimagining of how vehicles are designed, updated, and improved,” promising 10 times the over-the-air update capacity, 1,000 times more bandwidth, and up to 35 times greater AI performance than current models.
Anderson explained that the platform would use Ethernet-based networking, providing sub-millisecond response times and dramatically enhancing suspension and control systems. “It’s a massive opportunity not only for dynamics but for the software that we can deploy on this,” he said.
Robotics, manufacturing, and energy systems
Beyond its vehicle advancements, GM is expanding its work in robotics. Its Autonomous Robotics Centre (ARC) in Warren, Michigan, and a second facility in Mountain View, California, are developing intelligent factory systems with the help of 100 roboticists, engineers, and hardware specialists. These systems will use GM’s manufacturing data to improve production efficiency with each cycle.
Currently, the company operates 30,000 robots across 11 facilities alongside 97,000 production associates. Anderson said new autonomous mobile robots and collaborative systems, or “cobots,” are being deployed to assist human workers safely on the production floor.
GM also announced new energy initiatives for EV owners. Beginning next year, the company will offer a leasing model for its GM Energy Home System, which allows vehicle batteries to supply backup power to homes or feed electricity back into the grid during peak demand. The system includes solar integration and a unified app for seamless control.
With these innovations, GM continues to position itself as a leader in automotive technology—shifting from traditional car manufacturing to a more connected, intelligent, and autonomous future.
