Nissan is the latest automaker to integrate DeepSeek technology into its new electric vehicle (EV), the N7, specifically designed for the Chinese market. This move positions the N7 as the first joint venture brand electric car to leverage DeepSeek’s R1 deep reasoning model, marking a significant step for the Japanese automaker as it aims to revitalize its presence in the competitive Chinese EV landscape.
Dongfeng Nissan, Nissan’s Chinese joint venture, anticipates that the N7 electric sedan will significantly boost the brand's appeal in China. The company highlighted that the N7 is the first real car from a joint venture car company connected to the innovative DeepSeek R1 model. According to Zhou Feng, Vice President of Dongfeng Nissan, the company is dedicated to providing the best intelligent experience to its customers. The integration of DeepSeek technology into the N7 was completed swiftly, just in time for the lantern festival, underscoring the urgency and importance of this technological upgrade.
This strategic decision aligns Nissan with other EV leaders in China, such as BYD, which also plans to incorporate DeepSeek into its EV models. The N7, which was first showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show, is widely regarded as Nissan's response to Tesla's Model 3.
Compared to the Model 3, the N7 is slightly longer, offering a spacious design. Underpinned by Dongfeng’s new modular platform, the N7 promises a comfortable driving experience and a suite of intelligent technologies.
Zhou Feng emphasized that the N7 is equipped with an industry-leading intelligent driving system. In addition to DeepSeek's R1, the N7 utilizes Momenta’s "Navigate on Autopilot" system, enabling smart driving features like high-speed navigation, city memory navigation, and intelligent parking.
The integration of DeepSeek’s R1 allows the N7 to better interpret the driver’s intentions, leading to a more intuitive and seamless interaction between the driver and the vehicle.
For foreign automakers like Nissan, maintaining a competitive edge in China is crucial. Domestic EV manufacturers like BYD and XPeng are rapidly expanding their market share, posing a significant challenge to international brands. Nissan's sales figures reflect this struggle, with a 15% decrease in China last year, following a 33% slump in 2023.
BYD, on the other hand, is enhancing its offerings by upgrading its vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This includes even its most affordable EVs like the Seagull, making smart driving technology more accessible to consumers.
The question remains: can the N7, with its DeepSeek technology and advanced features, help Nissan regain its footing in China? Or will it continue to struggle against the rising dominance of domestic EV leaders like BYD? Only time will tell.