Alibaba's Qwen artificial intelligence model is now running in vehicles from multiple major Chinese automakers, transforming cars into connected digital platforms where drivers can order food, book hotels, and purchase tickets using natural voice commands. The integration marks a significant shift in how automakers compete as the electric vehicle market matures and growth slows, with software and intelligent services becoming as important as the hardware itself.

Which Chinese Automakers Are Adopting Qwen?

The rollout spans a broad coalition of Chinese vehicle manufacturers. The announcement came during the Beijing Auto Show 2026, where smart vehicle features dominated industry discussions. Several major brands have already committed to integrating the technology into their lineups:

• BYD: One of the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturers, now embedding Qwen across its vehicle portfolio.
• Geely: The Chinese automaker is integrating Qwen to enhance its in-car digital services and user experience.
• BAIC Group: Another major Chinese carmaker adopting the AI system for its vehicles.
• Li Auto: The electric vehicle and extended-range vehicle manufacturer is implementing Qwen technology.
• Changan Automobile: The traditional automaker is transitioning to AI-powered in-car systems.
• Dongfeng Motor Corporation: The state-owned manufacturer is adopting Qwen for its vehicle lineup.
• Great Wall Motor: The Chinese automaker is integrating the AI model into its vehicles.
• SAIC Motor: The company and its subsidiaries are implementing Qwen technology.
• Volkswagen joint venture: A local partnership with the German automaker is also adopting the system.

The Hongqi brand, part of FAW Group, became one of the first to deploy the technology in a production vehicle earlier this year, introducing Qwen in its plug-in hybrid HS6 model.

How Does Qwen Work Inside Your Car?

The Qwen system combines on-device processing with cloud computing to understand voice commands and execute complex, multi-step tasks, even when internet connectivity is limited. This hybrid approach means your car can handle requests locally without constantly relying on a stable internet connection, while still accessing cloud services when needed for more sophisticated tasks.

The AI system runs on automotive chips developed by Nvidia, the company that specializes in the processors powering artificial intelligence applications. In practical terms, drivers can interact with their vehicles using natural voice commands to perform everyday tasks. The system connects users to services including navigation, digital payments, food ordering, hotel booking, ticket purchases for tourist attractions, and delivery tracking.

Why Are Automakers Betting on AI-Powered In-Car Services?

The automotive industry is facing a critical inflection point. As the electric vehicle market matures and growth slows, competition has intensified dramatically. Hardware alone, no longer differentiates vehicles in a crowded marketplace. Instead, carmakers are shifting their focus beyond the physical car itself, placing greater emphasis on software, connectivity, and intelligent services.

In-car AI services represent a new frontier for customer engagement and retention. By turning vehicles into integrated digital environments, automakers can offer experiences that keep drivers connected to commerce, entertainment, and services without leaving their cars. This transformation is accelerating, and artificial intelligence is expected to become central in shaping the next generation of vehicles and the overall driving experience.

The competition extends beyond Alibaba's Qwen. At the same Beijing Auto Show event, 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. This competitive landscape shows that AI-powered in-car services are becoming table stakes for automakers globally.

Steps to Understanding Qwen's Role in the Future of Driving

• Voice-Activated Commerce: Drivers can now complete transactions like food orders and hotel bookings without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road, making driving safer while expanding in-car services.
• Hybrid Processing Architecture: The system uses both local processing on automotive chips and cloud computing, ensuring functionality even with poor internet connectivity while maintaining access to advanced cloud-based features.
• Competitive Differentiation: As hardware becomes commoditized in the electric vehicle market, software and intelligent services are becoming the primary way automakers stand out and build customer loyalty.
• Ecosystem Integration: Qwen connects multiple services, including navigation, digital payments, and third-party commerce platforms, turning the car into a central hub for daily activities.

The shift toward AI-powered in-car experiences reflects a broader industry recognition that the future of automobiles is not just about propulsion or autonomous driving, but about creating seamless digital ecosystems that enhance every aspect of the driving experience. For consumers, this means cars are becoming less like isolated machines and more like connected platforms that integrate with their daily lives.