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In a striking move, DeepSeek, China’s AI powerhouse, has forged a strategic partnership with Geely, one of the country’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. Following its surprise surpassing of OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app on the Apple App Store, DeepSeek is now pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence across various industries, particularly the automotive sector.
The collaboration will see DeepSeek’s R1 Large Language Model (LLM) integrated into Geely’s new Xingrui car control system. This partnership centers on a technique known as distillation training, where the outputs from the more advanced R1 AI model will enhance the performance of a smaller, more specialized model in the Xingrui system called FunctionCall AI.
Geely revealed the Xingrui AI model earlier this year as the “world’s first full-stack self-developed full-scenario AI big model in the automotive sector.” This ambitious system consists of three core components: language models, multimodal capabilities, and digital twin technologies that enable a more dynamic, connected driving experience.
This collaboration is part of Geely’s broader “Smart Geely 2025” initiative, which aims to integrate AI into its EV lineup. The focus will be on end-to-end voice interaction, intelligent driving systems, and AI-powered digital chassis technologies, all aimed at enhancing both vehicle performance and user experience.
The rapid adoption of AI within the automotive industry is part of a larger trend within China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market, where AI and cloud computing are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. As Chinese automakers race to innovate, Geely’s partnership with DeepSeek positions the company as a key player in the global shift towards intelligent electric vehicles.
As AI technologies evolve, other Chinese automakers, such as Dongfeng, are following suit. Dongfeng’s Zeekr and Voyah brands are set to incorporate DeepSeek’s R1 model into their EVs, bringing advanced AI capabilities to more vehicles in the near future..
DeepSeek’s expansion reflects the growing importance of AI in China’s technological and industrial sectors, a development fueled by increasing global competition and the race to dominate AI innovations.
