Alibaba’s Qwen AI Moves Into Cars

Fez – Chinese technology group Alibaba is expanding its artificial intelligence ambitions into the automotive sector, announcing the integration of its Qwen AI model into a wide range of vehicles from major Chinese carmakers.

The move will see Qwen embedded in cars produced by brands such as BYD, Geely, and BAIC Group, as well as a local joint venture with Volkswagen.

It reflects a broader push across the industry to enhance in-car digital services at a time when competition in the electric vehicle market is intensifying and growth is slowing.

According to Al Arabiya, the AI system will run on automotive chips developed by Nvidia and is designed to function even with limited internet connectivity.

The system combines on-device processing with cloud computing to better understand voice commands and execute complex, multi-step tasks.

In practice, drivers will be able to interact with their vehicles using natural voice commands to perform everyday tasks such as ordering food, booking hotels, purchasing tickets for tourist attractions, or tracking deliveries.

The system also connects users to services including navigation and digital payments, turning the car into a more integrated digital environment.

The announcement was made during the opening of the Beijing Auto Show 2026, where competition over smart vehicle features was a central theme.

Several other Chinese automakers are also adopting the Qwen model, including Li Auto, Changan Automobile, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Great Wall Motor, and SAIC Motor, along with its subsidiaries.

Earlier this year, the Hongqi brand, part of FAW Group, introduced the Qwen system in its plug-in hybrid HS6 model, marking one of the first deployments of the technology in a production vehicle.

The push comes as Chinese automakers look for new ways to stand out in a crowded and slowing electric vehicle market.

Software and in-car services are becoming key areas of competition, with companies investing heavily to deliver more intelligent and connected driving experiences.

At the same event, a local unit of Audi unveiled plans for a new electric SUV, the E7X, which will include artificial intelligence features developed by ByteDance and iFlytek.

Meanwhile, Cadillac, a division of General Motors, showcased a new model equipped with a voice assistant connected to ByteDance’s AI system.

With all this improvement, carmakers are steadily shifting their focus beyond hardware, placing greater emphasis on software, connectivity, and intelligent services.

The transition is accelerating, and the role of artificial intelligence is expected to become central in shaping the next generation of vehicles and the overall driving experience.

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