Cerence AI Creates Mobile Work Agent with Microsoft 365 in Cars

At IAA Mobility 2025, Cerence Inc., a global leader in conversational AI, announced an exciting new partnership with Microsoft to launch a mobile work assistant designed for people on the go. This AI-powered assistant, built on Cerence’s xUI platform, lets you safely and easily manage your work tasks right from your car using just your voice. It brings Microsoft 365 Copilot tools like Teams, Outlook, and OneNote directly into your drive, helping you stay connected and productive without distractions. Thanks to Cerence’s advanced technology, the assistant can smoothly switch between helping with work and handling things like navigation, making your in-car experience smarter and more intuitive.

Since early 2024, Cerence AI and Microsoft have been working together to bring advanced AI technology to millions of vehicles. This partnership includes providing access to ChatGPT through Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform, powered by AI Foundry Models. Car makers like Renault, Volkswagen, Audi, Cupra, Seat, and Skoda have already seen the benefits of this collaboration, which combines Cerence’s deep experience in automotive AI with Microsoft’s strong cloud and AI technology. On top of that, Cerence created CaLLM™ Edge—an automotive-grade, built-in small language model—fine-tuned with Microsoft’s Phi-3 models and Cerence’s huge automotive data to support a wide range of in-car uses.

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Now, Cerence AI is taking this partnership with Microsoft further to tackle the increasing problem of distracted driving. With commuting by car still the norm for millions of workers, distractions often linked to smartphone use are associated with slower reaction times and higher accident risks. By integrating AI-powered productivity tools directly into vehicles, Cerence AI aims to help professionals stay connected while prioritizing safety and security.

Christian Mentz, Chief Revenue Officer at Cerence AI, explained:
"We’ve all been there – you’re driving, and your phone is dinging as new emails and chats come in. You very quickly start to feel like you’re falling behind. For most people, unfortunately, the instinct is to then check their phone while driving. With our new mobile work AI agent and its integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot services, we will help to minimize this impulse through a natural, voice-first experience that doesn’t compromise safety or security. The focus isn’t maximizing productivity; it’s recognizing the need for technology that supports smarter, safer work in a world that is increasingly mobile."

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Smarter, Safer In-Car Experiences

Cerence xUI makes it easy to stay focused on the road by enabling hands-free, voice-controlled interactions that reduce distractions. The mobile work assistant will be fully integrated with your vehicle, offering features like:

• Proactive navigation suggestions synced with work calendars.

• Smart features that adjust based on what you’re doing—whether you’re driving, riding in a self-driving car, or parked.

  Voice-first drafting of emails, meeting agendas, and documents in OneNote.

• Personalized daily overviews and calendar management using Microsoft 365 Copilot insights.

• Adaptive learning of user preferences, such as pausing conversations during quiet driving times.

Benefits for Enterprises and Automakers

For enterprise IT teams, the AI agent integrates with Microsoft Intune, transforming vehicles into secure, trusted devices. This ensures compliant, managed access to Microsoft 365 tools and advanced AI capabilities that were previously unavailable in most cars.

For automakers, the in-vehicle Microsoft 365 Copilot experience offers a premium differentiator, strengthening customer loyalty and scaling across different vehicle segments from luxury flagships to mass-market models. Built on the flexible xUI platform, the solution allows OEMs to deliver branded Microsoft 365 Copilot experiences in every cabin.

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Dayan Rodriguez, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Mobility, said:
"Our collaboration with Cerence AI will bring Microsoft 365 Copilot into the car, enabling drivers to stay connected without compromising safety or compliance. With secure, voice-first access to trusted tools, we’re helping people manage their day more effectively whether it’s staying informed, coordinating schedules, or making quick decisions on the go. It’s not about doing more work it’s about optimizing for busy lives in a safe, seamless way."

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