XPeng focuses on Europe as a key pillar of its global strategy
Image: XPeng
He Xiaopeng, co-founder and CEO of the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng, spoke about his company’s current situation in an interview with Press-Inform. He also discussed the challenges faced by this startup, founded about ten years ago and now closely collaborating with Volkswagen, in its home market, as well as the company’s global expansion strategy.
The Chinese market is currently more challenging than ever, and he expects a relaxation of this situation only in five to ten years. The increased exports to Europe are not a short-term workaround but rather a core part of a broader strategy. The European market is “just as important to XPeng as other markets,” said the CEO. The company aims to sell more than one million vehicles outside China by 2030.
To avoid the EU’s tariffs introduced at the end of 2024, XPeng is considering acquiring production facilities in Europe or forming corresponding partnerships. Currently, manufacturing takes place mainly at the Zhaoqing and Guangzhou plants in Guangdong province. However, production is already expanding, with a launch planned in Malaysia following one in Indonesia.
XPeng positions itself as a technology company that develops software in addition to vehicles. As the industry shifts toward electric mobility, CEO He Xiaopeng sees “the synergy between robots and cars” as the next major technological shift, according to Elektroauto-News.Net. He believes no one needs to fear artificial intelligence, as it should assist rather than replace humans.
In Germany, the company is actively expanding its dealer network. Currently, there are around 70 partners, with the goal of reaching 110 locations by the end of the year, according to He Xiaopeng. Many of these distributors already carry German premium brands that XPeng aims to compete with.
XPeng offers a full range of all-electric models in this country. The lineup now includes the compact SUV coupe L03 as an entry-level model, as well as the mid-size SUV G6, the luxury SUV G9, the fastback sedan P7+, and the seven-seater electric van X9. These models are built on an advanced electric architecture, provide practical range, support fast charging, and come equipped with comprehensive standard features along with modern driver assistance and infotainment systems.
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Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electric mobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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