BMW has announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence from Chinese startup DeepSeek into its new vehicle models in China, commencing later this year.
CEO Oliver Zipse highlighted the significance of AI advancements within the Chinese market and BMW’s commitment to strengthening partnerships for in-car technology integration. This move signifies a deepening collaboration with local technology firms in the region.
This partnership with DeepSeek is part of BMW’s broader strategy of collaborating with Chinese tech companies to develop market-specific solutions. BMW has established a substantial R&D network in China, demonstrating its investment in local innovation. Previous collaborations include the integration of Alibaba’s Tmall Genie voice assistant and a partnership with Tencent to develop autonomous driving solutions tailored to Chinese road conditions.
The integration of DeepSeek AI reflects a growing trend among Western automakers to source AI innovations from China. DeepSeek’s AI technology is also being adopted by other Chinese automotive brands like BYD, Geely, and Great Wall. Even Volkswagen has integrated DeepSeek’s AI model for marketing purposes. DeepSeek’s appeal lies partly in its cost-effectiveness and competitive performance.
The integration of DeepSeek AI into production BMW vehicles represents a step towards practical in-car AI applications. Industry forecasts predict significant growth in the automotive AI market. DeepSeek’s AI applications in vehicles are expected to enhance autonomous driving capabilities and create more sophisticated smart cockpit experiences. This evolution indicates AI’s increasing importance in vehicle design, supporting the industry’s shift towards software-defined vehicles.
Source: Tech In Asia
