Last week it acknowledged the actual plan is to combine its own model with Deepseek, an unknown until January 20, when it’s AI programme called R1, which has advantage over established formats - notably ChatGPT - is being lower cost and using less advanced chips.

Geely’s plan is for DeepSeek to ‘train’ its own AI effort, so its cars can understand speech and commands better. The idea is that generative AI will allow occupants to talk to the car in natural speech, without having to formulate clunky phrases or conform to a particular vocabulary.

This is next generation stuff, so don’t expect to see it in an NZ market product for a while; Geely’s indicated roll out is for a next generation of smart connected vehicles, likely as not to still be on the drawing board.

Geely isn’t alone in integrating Deepseek into its vehicles. Another brand called Dongfeng is using its Voyah brand for the same intent. The Courage EV crossover and Dream MPV will be the first mass-produced vehicles ever to have the AI tool integrated into their software. According to some media, the first tip with this will occur in China this week. 

How long before it fulfils in a self-driving mode? That question is not answered by the Chinese, but by chance it was asked by British magazine Autocar during an interview withA li Kani, head of Nvidia’s automotive division.

His view? Truly autonomous cars will “not appear in this decade”.

He added: “It’s a next-decade marvel. We’re not close. It’s super-hard.” 

While several cars offer limited autonomous capability in certain controlled situations, Kani said the ability for cars to truly drive themselves requires another step forward in computing power and technology.

Geely, meantime, will foremost propose itself in NZ as other marques from China already have; swags of tech, solid engineering and selling as on value. 

Haines proposes it as "a transformative brand with innovation and sustainability at its forefront. 

“Geely will bring world-class engineering at an affordable price that is within the reach of all New Zealanders," he says. 

Geely Auto announced its strategic partnership with Giltrap Group last November. At that time it said the alliance was a key achievement in a global expansion plan, further solidifying its presence in the Oceanian market.

Though the EX5 is the sole product to be named, Giltraps have said it will be followed by a complete range of powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, range-extended and petrol-powered vehicles,

It also suggests an ‘extensive’ network covering showrooms throughout the country will be opening this year, supporting the long-term commitment of both Geely and Giltrap Group.