According to the South China Morning Post, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng intends to expand its reach into the right-hand-drive (RHD) market by entering Hong Kong. Xpeng vice-chairman and president Brian Gu said:
“By the time we enter, we will probably face pretty significant competition. But we do feel that our products will have a different appeal. We want to make sure that the technologies we develop in China can be made available in Hong Kong as well.”
Currently, Xpeng exclusively makes vehicles in left-hand drive, with the majority sold in mainland China as well as a few European markets, while Gu concedes that the right-hand-drive type also accounts for a big share of the electric vehicle industry, according to a study.
The P7 sedan model was introduced in April 2020, followed by the P5 in July 2021; the G9, the brand’s second SUV, was introduced in September. According to Gu, the Xpeng G9 and P7 will be available to European customers within two weeks.
Related: Volkswagen Considers NIO, XPENG, BYD, and CATL of China as Direct Competitors
Xpeng was the first Chinese automaker to receive approval for semi-autonomous systems from the Beijing transport authority, according to the South China Morning Post. Some Xpeng vehicles were permitted to operate semi-autonomously on Beijing streets after receiving permission from Beijing local authorities for its X Navigation Guided Pilot (X NGP) software.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
