The World’s First HarmonyOS Cockpit in a Fuel Vehicle Is Here! What’s Next in Dongfeng-Huawei Cooperation?

On September 24, Dongfeng Nissan officially announced that its flagship model, the Teana, will be equipped with Huawei’s HarmonySpace 5 intelligent cockpit and HUAWEI SOUND audio system, becoming the world’s first fuel vehicle to feature a HarmonyOS cockpit. This groundbreaking product not only challenges the conventional perception that “intelligent cockpits = new energy vehicles,” but also enters the mainstream mid-size sedan market with a pre-sale price of 160,000–180,000 RMB and a launch scheduled for Q4.

1. Highlights: The World’s First Fuel Vehicle with a HarmonyOS Cockpit

The core significance of this announcement lies in the practical breakthrough of “technology for all.” The new Teana features HarmonySpace 5, built on Huawei’s MoLA hybrid large-model architecture, integrating the DeepSeek general model with domain-specific AI capabilities. It supports multi-intent voice commands, continuous dialogue, and automatic adjustment of scenario modes (e.g., “nap mode” lowers windows and adjusts audio).

The HUAWEI SOUND system, with 43 speakers, 7.5.10 surround sound, and an adaptive soundfield algorithm, delivers library-level quietness and immersive audio effects. Importantly, this system is compatible with both the Teana’s 2.0L naturally aspirated and 2.0T turbocharged engine options, proving that traditional fuel vehicles can achieve intelligent upgrades through technology.

According to Dongfeng Nissan, the new Teana will be priced around 160,000–180,000 RMB and is expected to launch in Q4, directly targeting the mainstream market of mid-size joint-venture sedans.

2. Cooperation: From Technology Preparation to Ecosystem Co-Building

The collaboration between Dongfeng and Huawei began in May 2013 with joint R&D on in-vehicle systems. In 2018, Dongfeng and Huawei signed a strategic agreement to explore forward-looking technology for electrification and connected vehicles.

In early 2024, Dongfeng’s new energy brand Lantu and electric off-road brand Mengshi partnered with Huawei, laying the foundation for continued collaboration in intelligent vehicles. In May 2025, both parties signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement in Wuhan, expanding cooperation to intelligent cockpits, smart driving, vehicle-road-cloud integration, and enterprise digital transformation.

On September 19, a Joint Innovation Lab was inaugurated, focusing on four key areas: in-vehicle software R&D, advanced driver assistance upgrades, AI multi-scenario applications, and embodied intelligence. For example, the lab is developing a full-vehicle control platform based on Huawei’s QianKun vehicle control module, capable of integrating AI cockpit, end-to-end smart driving, and vehicle-road-cloud functions.

On September 22, Dongfeng Chairman Yang Qing met with Huawei Founder Ren Zhengfei in Shenzhen. Ren emphasized that “the essence of the automotive industry is to build good cars, and the highest level of a car is safety.” Huawei Executive Xu Zhijun pledged to open the IPD/IPMS process system to support Dongfeng’s digital transformation.

The partnership introduces an innovative “HI Plus” model”—from the early development stage, Dongfeng and Huawei jointly build the electronic and electrical architecture using Huawei’s IPD process and HarmonyOS ecosystem tools. Dongfeng maintains brand and sales control, while Huawei provides the underlying architecture and ecosystem access.

3. Impact: Technology Integration Reshapes the Competitive Landscape

1. Breaking technical barriers: The distributed architecture enables data interoperability between the cockpit and smart driving system (e.g., automatically adjusting entertainment functions based on driving conditions), providing a feasible path for fuel vehicle intelligence.

2. Innovative cooperation model: Huawei’s “not making cars, but helping automakers make better cars” approach has attracted partnerships with over 20 automakers. The “HI Plus” model balances technical empowerment with brand autonomy, differing from Huawei’s AITO approach, and may become a mainstream paradigm for future intelligent vehicle ecosystems.

3. Establishing standards: The intelligent vehicle field currently faces “technology silos.” Industry associations need to promote unified technical standards and interface specifications. The Joint Innovation Lab could accelerate this process by delivering reusable technology modules.

Preview: Intelligent Cockpit Industry Event

To explore technological evolution, strengthen information exchange across the ecosystem, and foster deep industry collaboration, a “Intelligent Cockpit Innovation and Technology Application Seminar under AI Trends” will be held in Beijing on March 13, 2026.

The event will focus on the functional iteration of intelligent cockpits empowered by AI, cross-industry cooperation models between automakers and tech companies, and the standardization of data security and evaluation systems. Through expert sharing, roundtable discussions, and technology exhibition areas, it aims to create a closed-loop platform connecting R&D and industrial application.

Participation Guide:

• Date: March 13–16, 2026

• Location: Beijing · New China International Exhibition Center, Phase II (Hall A1)

For inquiries or reservations: 

• [Register as a Visitor]

• [Book an Exhibition Booth]