GM Broadens Eyes-off Driving Push Across Its Vehicle Lineup

WHO:

Observer - GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra depends on pickups and SUVs to fund the company.

Observer - GM executives presented the company’s technology ambitions at a New York event.

Fox Business - Mary Barra, GM’s chair and CEO, said, “We're changing what it means to drive, and transforming your car into an intelligent partner that makes your life easier.”

Fox Business - Sterling Anderson, GM’s chief product officer, described plans for eyes-off driving and vehicles operating in “mission mode.”

Fox Business - Ed Nightingale, GM’s vice president of digital products, discussed the OnStar AI Assistant and customer data controls.

WHAT:

Fox Business - GM plans to expand eyes-off autonomous driving to pickup trucks, crossovers and large SUVs after the technology debuts in the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028.

Fox Business - The technology is designed to let drivers take their eyes off the road while vehicles drive under certain conditions.

Fox Business - GM eventually wants vehicles to perform tasks without anyone inside, including picking up groceries and dropping off laundry.

Observer - GM’s ambitions include an AI assistant and vehicles that could eventually run errands alone.

Fox Business - GM is developing a centralized computing platform for a broad range of vehicles and an in-vehicle OnStar AI Assistant.

Fox Business - The OnStar AI Assistant is expected to launch in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq, then expand to other GM vehicles; it will answer vehicle questions, control certain features and provide personalized assistance.

Fox Business - Buyers receive eight years of OnStar Basics, which currently includes Google Gemini and is expected to include the OnStar AI Assistant when available.

Fox Business - OnStar-connected cameras will let drivers access recordings after certain incidents; GM says recordings will be end-to-end encrypted and available only to the authorized account holder.

Fox Business - UBS estimated digital revenue could rise from $3.2 billion to $9.6 billion by 2036, describing GM’s digital capabilities as an “underappreciated and undervalued opportunity.”

WHERE:

Observer - GM outlined its ambitions at a technology event in New York.

Fox Business - Eyes-off driving will initially operate on highways, with plans to expand to other roads.

WHEN:

Fox Business - The technology is planned to debut in the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028.

Fox Business - The OnStar AI Assistant is expected to launch in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq.

Fox Business - UBS projected GM digital revenue of $3.2 billion this year and $9.6 billion by 2036.

WHY:

Fox Business - GM is investing in AI and software that could become a growing source of revenue.

Fox Business - Nightingale said the initial focus of OnStar AI is “deepening the vehicle experience.”

HOW:

Fox Business - Anderson said eyes-off driving will begin on highways and later expand off highways; he said the technology will reach light-duty pickups and crossovers.

Fox Business - Customers will be able to see when their data is shared and choose whether to opt in or out.

Fox Business - Human OnStar advisors will remain available, including during emergencies; Nightingale said, “A human being is always there to help you.”

(UPDATED October 26, 2026 19:25 UTC)

GM is expanding its technology ambitions, with plans for eyes-off driving that begins on highways and eventually reaches pickups, crossovers and large SUVs, starting with the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028. The company also plans to launch its OnStar AI Assistant in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq, where it will answer vehicle questions, control some features and offer personalized help, while customers can manage data sharing and access encrypted camera recordings. GM’s longer-term vision includes vehicles running errands without occupants, as it invests in software and AI alongside the pickups and SUVs that help fund the company.