Alibaba Group and BMW AG have announced a partnership to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology for cars in the Chinese market. This was reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
According to media reports, as part of the agreement, BMW will integrate Alibaba-backed Banma artificial intelligence technology into its future models, targeting Chinese consumers.
Software has become a key differentiator for electric vehicles, especially in China, where local manufacturers such as BYD Co. have overtaken European automakers. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz Group and BMW have had to seek technology partnerships from Silicon Valley to China to gain the technical expertise needed to compete with their next generation of cars.
Banma, the result of a collaboration between Alibaba and its Qwen development team, will allow BMW to create an intelligent personal assistant for drivers.
The automotive AI agent can offer recommendations for parking and nearby restaurants, as well as real-time information about traffic lights.
Alibaba said its Qwen model has been used in cars manufactured by Chinese automakers Xpeng, Zeekr and Leapmotor.
Addendum
Over the past few months, Alibaba has actively shifted its focus to AI, pledging to invest more than 380 billion yuan ($52 billion) in AI infrastructure, such as data processing centers, over the next three years. CEO Eddie Wu said in February that the pursuit of general artificial intelligence is now the company's "main goal." The company has also secured a coveted role, providing AI technology for Apple Inc.'s iPhone in China, which are expected to be deployed in the coming months.
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