Nissan becomes first non-Chinese automaker to integrate DeepSeek in cars

Nissan has made history by becoming the first non-Chinese automaker to integrate DeepSeek AI in its vehicle.

A local news source reported on 12 February that the company is integrating DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence (AI) models into its upcoming new model, the N7 electric sedan.

The sedan is being built in China through Dongfeng Nissan, the Japanese giant’s Chinese joint venture.

A rare move

DeepSeek came into the limelight just a little over a month ago, and became globally unpopular almost immediately.

After topping the list of apps on the Apple Store in the United States, the chatbot became suspicious after it was hit by a cyber attack.

Since then, many countries have become wary of it and some have banned it outrightly, citing data security concerns.

According to the report, the Dongfeng Nissan N7 is the first joint venture automaker to integrate the DeepSeek-R1 deep reasoning large model in vehicles, making it a rare occurrence considering the low popularity of the chatbot outside of China. 

According to the company, the vehicle will leverage the self-learning capabilities of the DeepSeek-R1 large model to accurately recognize user intent and provide a more natural and smooth human-computer interaction experience.

The vehicle will also be able to accurately recognize the user’s needs for voice control, navigation planning, and entertainment system recommendations, and provide the needed assistance.

The DeepSeek R1 model which many Chinese auto brands have adopted is said to outperform OpenAI’s 01 model but cost much less to train.

Companies that have adopted the models include  BYD, Zeekr , Dongfeng M-Hero, Smart, Leapmotor, IM Motors, which have all incorporated DeepSeek’s AI models in their cockpits.

More brands to follow?

Nissan adopting DeepSeek AI models for its car is a major boost for the chatbot’s reputation, and may just open the door for more non-Chinese automakers to adopt it.

The company itself may be doing more with AI now that its proposed merger with Honda has been called off.