DeepSeek AI Is Rapidly Expanding Into Chinese

Chinese automakers have begun integrating DeepSeek’s language models into their vehicles’ infotainment systems at scale, aiming to win over buyers with enhanced AI-powered features.

As software capabilities become just as critical as design or performance, AI assistants are quickly turning into a competitive advantage.

Dongfeng Motor was one of the first to roll out DeepSeek R1 support — its Voyah Zhiyin crossovers have already received an update that adds voice assistant functionality. Starting in April, DeepSeek AI will be introduced to more models, including the M-Hero 917 SUV. BYD, China’s leading hybrid and EV manufacturer, has also announced plans to adopt DeepSeek in its in-car systems.

GAC is going a step further, integrating DeepSeek into its Adigo Sense platform. The assistant will analyze driver behavior and preferences to personalize routes and entertainment content. Leapmotor plans to combine DeepSeek with Alibaba’s Qwen language model to enable features like image generation in its vehicles. Similarly, SAIC will use DeepSeek alongside AI solutions from Alibaba and ByteDance in its premium IM Motors lineup.

Even foreign brands manufactured in China are jumping on board. The Nissan N7 EV, built under a joint venture with Dongfeng, will include a DeepSeek-based assistant. SAIC is also bringing DeepSeek support to Chinese-market models of Buick and Cadillac.

However, some automakers — including Xiaomi and XPeng Motors — are holding off on adopting DeepSeek for now, staying on the sidelines of this growing tech trend.