Dongfeng Nissan, the Chinese joint venture of Japanese auto giant Nissan, has taken a significant step by integrating DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence (AI) models into its upcoming new model, the N7 electric sedan. This move marks a rare instance of a Japanese carmaker in China incorporating AI technology into its vehicles.
The N7, which made its global debut at the Guangzhou auto show in November 2024, is the first joint venture automaker to integrate the DeepSeek-R1 deep reasoning large model. This integration allows the N7 to accurately recognize user intent and provide a more natural and smooth human-computer interaction experience.
With the powerful data processing and self-learning capabilities of the DeepSeek-R1 model, the N7 excels in voice control, navigation planning, and entertainment system recommendations. It can accurately understand user needs and offer personalized services to enhance the overall driving experience.
In addition to its AI integration, the N7 boasts new energy technology architecture, making it the first pure electric sedan of its kind. Dongfeng Nissan has also partnered with Chinese autonomous driving startup Momenta to develop a high-level smart driving system for the N7, enabling it to have NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) capabilities on both highways and city roads.
Recently, the N7 received regulatory approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The vehicle measures 4,930 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,487 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,915 mm. It is equipped with a TZ200XS3JD motor manufactured by Dongfeng Motor, delivering a maximum power of 200 kW.
To showcase the N7’s performance capabilities, Dongfeng Nissan conducted cold-weather tests in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, where the vehicle performed well in -38°C conditions. While an official launch date for the N7 is pending, the integration of DeepSeek’s latest open-source model, DeepSeek R1, has garnered attention for its superior AI capabilities at a lower training cost.
Various automotive brands, including BYD, Zeekr, Dongfeng M-Hero, Smart, Leapmotor, IM Motors, and Arcfox, have also announced the incorporation of DeepSeek’s AI models in their vehicles, signaling a growing trend in the industry towards advanced AI technology integration.
Overall, the Dongfeng Nissan N7 represents a significant advancement in the automotive industry, showcasing the potential of AI technology to enhance user experiences and drive innovation in electric vehicles.
