Xpeng plans South Korea entry, appoints former Volvo exec to lead local business
Phate Zhang
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Nov 3, 2026, 10:20 AM GMT+8
Lee Man-sik will become managing director of Xpeng Korea on December 1, overseeing business development including sales and service networks.
The South Korean launch timeline has yet to be announced, as Xpeng's overseas deliveries hit a record in October.
Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) has confirmed plans to enter South Korea and appointed former Volvo Cars Korea executive Lee Man-sik to lead its local business, further expanding its international footprint.
The Chinese EV maker said in a statement on Monday that Lee will become managing director of Xpeng Motors Korea, effective December 1, 2026.
The company has yet to announce a specific launch timeline, its initial model lineup or details of local operations, saying further information will be released later.
Lee has more than 30 years of automotive industry experience. He joined Volvo Cars Korea in 2003, where his responsibilities included brand positioning, product planning, sales and marketing, and dealer network expansion.
In his new role, he will establish Xpeng's business foundation in South Korea, including developing sales and service networks, building strategic partnerships and strengthening the brand's presence.
Lee said in the statement that South Korean consumers have high expectations for automobiles and are open to new technology and innovation. He will focus on building customer trust and delivering a reliable ownership experience.
The South Korea plans come as overseas operations provide growing sales support for Xpeng, helping cushion the Chinese EV maker's decline in year-to-date deliveries.
Xpeng delivered a record 13,326 vehicles overseas in October, up 166% year-on-year. Overseas deliveries accounted for 26.53% of its monthly total, according to CnEVPost calculations.
Xpeng monthly exports
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The company's total deliveries reached 50,237 vehicles in October, up 19.57% year-on-year and 21.77% from September, exceeding 50,000 for the first time.
Xpeng monthly deliveries
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In the first 10 months of the year, Xpeng's overseas deliveries totaled 72,805 vehicles, up 109.68% year-on-year and accounting for 21.76% of its total. Overall deliveries during the period fell 5.80% to 334,604 vehicles.
Xpeng has recently accelerated new model roll-outs in overseas markets. On November 2, the company confirmed that its flagship G9L SUV had launched in Hong Kong, offering 6-seat and 7-seat extended-range versions with all-wheel drive.
Xpeng previously introduced the G9L to Europe at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, offering battery-electric versions with 6-seat and 7-seat configurations.
The Mona L05, aimed at a broader market, began global shipments on October 26, with sales planned in 65 countries and regions. The model subsequently launched in China on October 29.
Xpeng is also expanding in the Middle East. On October 27, it announced plans to launch the GX and G9L in the region the following week and disclose local pricing.
Xpeng currently operates in 83 countries and regions, according to its November 2 statement. Its entry into South Korea will further expand its presence in Asia.
The company aims to sell 500,000 vehicles annually in Europe, with expanded local production key to achieving that goal.