Alibaba’s Qwen AI is coming to cars, allowing drivers order food and book hotels by voice

In a significant move for the automotive industry, Alibaba has announced that its Qwen artificial intelligence model will soon be integrated into vehicles from leading manufacturers, including BYD and a local Volkswagen joint venture. This initiative aims to enhance in-car digital services amid a challenging electric vehicle market. The Qwen AI system is designed to operate on Nvidia's automotive chip platform and is capable of functioning even with limited internet connectivity. Drivers will soon be able to use voice commands to perform a variety of tasks, such as ordering food delivery, booking hotels, purchasing attraction tickets, and tracking packages. This innovative system combines on-device processing with cloud computing to efficiently interpret voice commands, execute multi-step tasks, and connect with essential services like payments and navigation. Notable automotive brands incorporating Qwen into their vehicles include Geely, Li Auto, Changan, Dongfeng, BAIC, Great Wall Motor, SAIC Volkswagen, and SAIC IM Motors. The announcement coincided with the opening of the Beijing Auto Show 2026, highlighting the competitive landscape as Chinese automakers strive to attract buyers. Earlier this year, FAW Group's Hongqi brand made headlines by integrating Qwen into its in-car system, debuting it in the Hongqi HS6 plug-in hybrid. In a related development, a local version of Audi in China has announced that its electric SUV, the E7X, will begin presales on May 8. This model will feature AI capabilities from ByteDance's Doubao and iFlyTek, showcasing how automakers are leveraging advanced technology to enhance the driving experience. Cadillac, the luxury division of General Motors, also unveiled a new model equipped with voice-assistant features that connect to ByteDance's Doubao AI, indicating a trend towards more interactive and intelligent in-car systems.