(Yicai) April 23 -- BMW Group will start integrating artificial intelligence technology from Chinese startup DeepSeek into several of the German auto giant’s China-built vehicles this year, according to its chairman.

The technology will be integrated into the homegrown BMW Neue Klasse models, Oliver Zipse said at the Shanghai Auto Show that opened today. The iX3, the first China-exclusive model under the Neue Klasse family, will be introduced to Chinese consumers next year, he added.

BMW is the latest in a series of major automakers to embed DeepSeek’s AI into their vehicles. China’s leading electric carmaker BYD has allied with DeepSeek to power its self-driving system, while Geely Group, Great Wall Motor, Dongfeng Motor, and Leapmotor are adopting its AI tech to support in-car intelligence and autonomous-driving features.

The Neue Klasse models are a new generation of vehicles BMW will launch this year, representing a significant leap in design, technology, and philosophy for the brand, according to its website. They will feature marked improvements in performance and intelligence, alongside the latest innovations in user experience and connected technologies.

The Munich-based carmaker will continue to advocate for free trade and open markets because economic growth comes from openness rather than closure, Zipse also noted, adding that BMW firmly believes that global challenges require more collaboration and not confrontation.

BMW has accelerated its collaboration with Chinese tech companies since the start of this year. Last month, it allied with Huawei Technologies to jointly develop an in-car smart ecosystem based on the HarmonyOS Next operating system and linked arms with Alibaba Group Holding to create bespoke AI engines for its models in China.

On March 25, BMW announced the launch of its 360-degree full-chain AI strategy in China to comprehensively optimize production, research and development, user experience, and supply chain management, further solidifying its competitive advantage in the smart vehicle sector.

In addition, BMW deepened its partnership with the cloud services platform of ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, to develop the use of AI in marketing and services, Lingyue Digital Information Technology, the digital solutions unit of its joint venture with Brilliance Auto Group, announced on April 18.

Lingyue Digital will work with Volcano Engine to use AI in marketing and customer services, providing efficient product matching and purchase recommendations, according to a report by Shanghai Securities News. The tie-up aims to enhance the car-buying experience for users and improve operational efficiency for dealers, the report said.

The Shanghai Auto Show is being held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center and runs through May 2. A record nearly 1,000 companies from 26 countries and regions will attend the event, with more than 100 new car models set to debut in an exhibition area of over 360,000 square meters.

Editor: Martin Kadiev