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Xpeng seeks to be first major Chinese EV maker to launch right-hand drive cars as it targets Hong Kong market
- Xpeng will offer a vehicle distinct from existing electric cars in Hong Kong that will appeal to local customers, says president Brian Gu
- It marks the first move by a Chinese maker of premium EVs to tap the Hong Kong market with a right-hand drive model
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Daniel Renin Shanghai
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) start-up Xpeng is setting its sights on Hong Kong with plans to launch a right-hand drive model in the city next year to compete against well established rivals like Tesla.
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Brian Gu, vice-chairman and president of the Guangzhou-based carmaker, said Xpeng would offer a vehicle distinct from existing electric cars on the streets of Hong Kong that will appeal to local customers with its advanced technologies and unique design, reinforcing its go-global strategy.
“By the time we enter, we will probably face pretty significant competition,” he said during a keynote session at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Hong Kong 2023. “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.”
Gu said the right-hand drive model will probably hit the Hong Kong market in late 2024.
It marks the first move by one of China’s major EV makers to tap the Hong Kong market with a right-hand drive model.
02:18
Chinese XPeng electric car can drive and park by itself
Chinese XPeng electric car can drive and park by itself
Xpeng’s domestic rivals – Nio in Shanghai and Beijing-headquartered Li Auto – have yet to unveil plans to sell battery-powered vehicles in Hong Kong.
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