One of the key outcomes of 2025 is that AI is no longer just an add-on for cars – it has become their “brain”.
The scale of this shift became especially clear with the integration of DeepSeek into vehicles from some of the world’s largest automakers, including BYD, Geely, Chery, and Volkswagen. Thanks to this AI model, cars have moved beyond basic command execution to full, natural-sounding dialogue and even anticipation of driver actions.
In modern intelligent models such as the Denza N8L or Geely Xingrui, DeepSeek-R1 is capable of understanding complex human intent. Drivers no longer need to issue precise commands like “open the window” – simply saying “it’s stuffy” is enough for the car to slightly open the windows, activate seat ventilation, and adjust the air conditioning. The system analyzes data from thousands of sensors while memorizing the owner’s habits. For example, if you buy coffee every morning, the car can proactively suggest a route to your favorite café and prepare the seat settings in advance.
The technology is also being applied to driver-assistance systems. In models from Volkswagen and Changan, DeepSeek works alongside autonomous driving systems, helping them navigate complex urban environments more effectively.
Another key breakthrough of 2025 is model “distillation” technology. It allows the capabilities of large AI systems to be transferred onto compact in-car chips.
As a result, these systems operate instantly without an internet connection, ensuring data privacy, as all processing takes place inside the vehicle. With this shift, the car has fully transformed from a simple means of transportation into a personalized intelligent assistant.