GM Debuts Advanced ‘Eyes-Off’ Driver Assistance System Across Truck and SUV Lineup

Ed Nightingale, vice president of Digital Products at General Motors, discussed the OnStar AI Assistant, data privacy, and safety with FOX Business.

General Motors is broadening its autonomous driving capabilities across its vehicle lineup as the company continues to invest in artificial intelligence and software development—areas it views as potential long-term revenue drivers.

At its “GM Forward” showcase event, the automaker announced plans to extend its “hands-free” driver assistance system to light-duty pickups, crossovers, and large SUVs following its initial launch in the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028.

“We’re redefining the driving experience by turning vehicles into intelligent partners that simplify daily life,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra.

The enhanced system will allow drivers to remove their hands from the wheel and eyes from the road under specific conditions, beginning with highway travel and later expanding to surface streets.

“This capability will debut in light-duty trucks and crossovers, starting on highways and gradually extending to non-highway routes,” said GM Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson.

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General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra speaks at the automaker’s “GM Forward” event in New York City on Oct. 21, 2026.

Looking ahead, GM envisions vehicles performing tasks independently without passengers present—like retrieving groceries or delivering laundry.

“In time, your vehicle will support what we refer to internally as ‘mission mode,’ where it can carry out routine errands autonomously,” Anderson explained.

This push toward automation aligns with GM’s wider strategy to integrate advanced software and AI technologies into its vehicles.

The company is developing a next-generation centralized computing architecture that will be deployed across multiple models, alongside the introduction of the OnStar AI Assistant—an in-car interface aimed at understanding driver behavior, preferences, and vehicle performance.

Set to launch in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq, the OnStar AI Assistant will offer interactive support such as answering queries about the vehicle, managing settings, and delivering personalized experiences.

Ed Nightingale, GM’s vice president of digital products, emphasized to FOX Business that the primary goal of the OnStar AI Assistant is enhancing driver engagement and usability within the vehicle cabin.

“Right now, OnStar AI is focused on elevating the overall driving experience,” Nightingale noted.

As connected and AI-driven features become more prevalent, GM is also addressing consumer concerns related to safety and data privacy.

Nightingale highlighted that users will have transparency regarding data sharing, including the ability to opt in or out at any time. Furthermore, human OnStar representatives will continue to serve customers, especially during critical situations.

“There’s always a person ready to assist—you’re never alone,” he assured.

To add value to new car purchases, GM is bundling digital services with each vehicle. Buyers gain eight years of complimentary OnStar Basics, which currently features Google Gemini and will incorporate the OnStar AI Assistant upon availability.

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A 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV is displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sept. 14, 2023. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters)

GM is also rolling out OnStar-connected cameras capable of recording incidents involving the vehicle, secured through end-to-end encryption and accessible solely to verified account holders.

The expansion into AI and software represents a strategic shift for GM, potentially unlocking significant recurring revenue streams.

Analyst firm UBS projected earlier this year that GM’s digital offerings could generate $9.6 billion in annual revenue by 2036—a substantial increase from an estimated $3.2 billion in 2026.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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