# Ford's new AI assistant can monitor fuel levels and tire pressure Ford's new AI assistant provides instant access to vehicle information and diagnostics. - **Source:** [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-10 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2977acfe-afc0-4c1d-9ee4-87f325966d8d ## Ford's new AI assistant Ford has introduced a new AI assistant that provides customers with information about their vehicles. The assistant will work as a chatbot in Ford and Lincoln mobile apps. Connected to the vehicle, it knows details like fuel level, cargo capacity, and towing capability. It will be available as an in-car voice assistant by 2027. Currently, it's only accessible through the mobile app. ## Features and capabilities The assistant can answer questions from the vehicle's manual and provide live updates from the telemetry system. Users can even upload photos to check if their vehicle can carry specific loads. Mike Aragon, Ford's president of integrated services, says the 'true magic' will happen when the assistant moves from phones to dashboard screens. This transition won't be phone mirroring like Apple CarPlay, but deeply embedded in the vehicle experience. ## Competition and industry trends Ford's move reflects the race among automakers to lead in rapidly evolving AI technology. Rivian and Mercedes-Benz have launched their own voice assistants. BMW uses Amazon's Alexa, while General Motors employs Google's Gemini. Google-built-in vehicles like Volvo and Polestar will also feature Gemini. Ford is designing its assistant to be compatible with various large language models. ## Rollout plans and targets Ford aims to reach more customers by launching the assistant first on mobile apps. The company plans to gradually make it available to 8 million Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners. Mike Aragon stated, 'You don't need to buy a new vehicle - we're upgrading the ownership experience you already have, starting today.' The assistant will initially be free, though this may change after full vehicle OS integration. ## Technology infrastructure Ford designed its assistant to be 'chatbot-agnostic,' meaning it can work with different large language models. As an interim solution, Gemini will be integrated as an 'opt-in alternative' to Google Assistant. Android-based Ford and Lincoln Digital Experiences will use Gemini for navigation, messaging, and media playback. Ford envisions the new assistant eventually handling all these functions. ## Customer experience focus Ford's new assistant will allow vehicle owners to create customized systems tailored to their preferences. It will merge vehicle-specific requests with infotainment queries. Mike Aragon describes this as 'deep, thoughtful intelligence embedded directly into the driving experience.' The company prioritizes this innovation to enhance customer satisfaction and lead the technology race. ## Industry developments AI integration is rapidly expanding in the automotive sector. Competitors like Rivian's voice assistant, Mercedes' MBUX system, and BMW's Alexa integration are establishing market presence. Google's Gemini will also feature in brands like Volvo and Polestar. Ford aims to stand out by offering a flexible system compatible with various language models, with full in-car integration planned by 2027. ## Future vision and significance Ford's AI assistant could pioneer personalized experiences in the automotive industry. The company focuses on upgrading existing vehicles with new technologies through software updates. This approach supports the trend of extending vehicle lifespans digitally. Targeting 8 million vehicles demonstrates Ford's commitment to rapid customer base transformation. AI-powered vehicle management may form the foundation of future smart transportation systems. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theverge.com/transportation/976748/ford-ai-assistant-mobile-app — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._