Detroit, USA — American carmaker General Motors (GM) has unveiled bold plans to introduce a fully autonomous “eyes-off” vehicle by 2028, marking a major step toward the future of self-driving transportation.
Speaking at an event called “GM Forward,” the company revealed that it will integrate Google’s Gemini Artificial Intelligence platform into its next generation of vehicles to enhance driver interaction and safety.
According to GM, the partnership with Google will allow drivers to “talk to your car as naturally as you would to a fellow passenger,” signaling a major leap in the integration of AI with automotive technology.
The most anticipated innovation is the Cadillac Escalade IQ, an electric SUV that will feature the company’s next phase of self-driving technology — one that enables true hands-free and eyes-off driving.
GM said this technology builds on its existing Super Cruise system, which currently allows drivers to travel “hands-free” on pre-mapped highways, though it still requires them to stay alert.
The automaker noted that Super Cruise has already mapped more than 600,000 miles of highways across North America “without a single reported crash” linked to the system.
The new system, which adds “eyes-off” capability, means that drivers will be able to safely disengage from steering or watching the road in specific, controlled conditions.
“This combination of technology, scale, a decade of real-world deployment, and advanced safety systems gives us the foundation to deliver the next phase of personal autonomy,” GM said in a statement.
Beyond autonomy, GM’s upcoming Escalade IQ will be powered by a central computing platform capable of updating all major vehicle systems — from propulsion and steering to safety and infotainment — in real time.
This means the car will continuously learn and adapt through over-the-air software updates, much like a smartphone, ensuring that drivers always have the latest technology features and safety improvements.
The Gemini AI platform will also personalize the in-car experience by assisting with navigation, voice commands, and even predicting driver preferences over time.
GM’s announcement comes at a time when global automakers are racing to dominate the self-driving car market, which analysts predict could exceed $1 trillion by 2035.
On Tuesday, GM’s shares jumped nearly 15 percent after the company posted better-than-expected third-quarter results and raised its profit outlook for 2025.
The positive sentiment continued on Wednesday, with GM stock rising another 0.5 percent in morning trading.
Industry experts believe that GM’s push into autonomous and AI-enhanced vehicles could give it a competitive edge against rivals like Tesla, Ford, and Volkswagen, all of which are developing similar technologies.
GM executives said the long-term goal is to make fully autonomous vehicles accessible to ordinary drivers, not just luxury buyers.
While regulatory approval and infrastructure challenges remain, the automaker is confident that safety testing and real-world performance data will pave the way for widespread adoption.
“The 2028 Escalade marks the beginning of a new era — one where vehicles think, react, and adapt faster than human drivers,” GM’s spokesperson added.
As GM moves closer to making “eyes-off” driving a reality, the company believes that AI-powered vehicles will redefine personal mobility — making travel safer, smarter, and more connected than ever before.
