Geely to integrate DeepSeek AI in upcoming cars

Not a day goes by without some AI company stealing the headlines. The automotive world isn't immune to the latest developments and the integration of artificial intelligence into vehicles is the Holy Grail. Geely has announced a big step forward in this area - it partnered with the hottest AI kid on the block at the moment. The plan is to integrate AI models from DeepSeek into the next generation of smart cars, promising to redefine how we interact with our vehicles and experience intelligent driving.

This collaboration was announced on February 6, and it involves integrating Geely's self-developed AI model with DeepSeek's R1 model. The goal is to enhance both human-computer interaction and intelligent driving capabilities. Geely plans to use a technique called distillation training, where the output from DeepSeek's larger, more advanced R1 model will train and refine Geely's own Xingrui car control FunctionCall AI model. Essentially, it'll be a masterclass for AI, where the smaller model will learn from the larger one.

Geely's Xingrui AI model, launched in January, is a big deal in its own right. Geely claims it's the world's first fully self-developed, full-scenario automotive AI model. Xingrui comprises three core models: language, multimodal, and digital twin. This comprehensive approach positions Geely at the forefront of AI integration in vehicles.

This partnership isn't happening in a vacuum. The Chinese automotive industry is embracing technologies like cloud computing and AI at a lightning-fast pace. Geely's own "Smart Geely 2025" strategy is the best example of this trend, outlining its commitment to implementing cutting-edge AI technologies, including end-to-end voice interaction models, AI digital chassis, and advanced intelligent driving systems.

Industry leaders are paying close attention to this shift. Pan Jian, co-chairman of CATL, highlighted at the World Economic Forum in Davos that China's EV industry is moving from simply "electric vehicles" (EVs) to "intelligent electric vehicles" (EIVs). While it might sound like a marketing exercise, it actually emphasizes the crucial role of "intelligence" in the rapid growth of the Chinese EV market. Pan Jian noted that "electricity makes intelligence possible, and consumers can enjoy new features that gasoline-powered vehicles cannot provide." And he isn't wrong here.

And if there ever was any doubt - the Chinese automotive market provides a clear answer. In January 2025, Geely's total vehicle sales reached 266,700 units, a significant increase of 27% month-on-month and 25% year-on-year. Even more impressive is the growth in NEV sales, which jumped by approximately 84% year-on-year to 121,100 units. It seems Chinese buyers are keen on buying smart electric cars.

As electric cars become more prevalent and less individual, the integration of advanced AI systems turns into a key differentiator. It will be interesting to watch how this partnership evolves and what new features and capabilities it brings to Geely's vehicles. What's even more curious is how Geely will address the looming ban of DeepSeek in the US and possibly Europe. Will there be a different AI model altogether for the markets outside of China? Or is Geely giving up on its global ambitions?

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