Chinese EV maker Xpeng adds Qatar to export list amid price war at home

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Firm is one of several stepping up international expansion efforts as ferocious domestic competition continues to ravage profit margins

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Workers check an Xpeng can at a plant in Zhaoqing, in southeast China’s Guangdong province, on October 09, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

Daniel Renin Shanghai

Published: 3:00pm, 23 Sep 2024Updated: 2:28pm, 25 Sep 2024

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) builder Xpeng will begin exporting its cars to Qatar as it steps up a global expansion effort amid crushing competition in the mainland China market.

The Guangzhou-based company signed an agreement with distributor Pioneer Motors on September 10, taking an initial step towards tapping consumer demand for premium electric cars in the Middle Eastern nation, according to a statement.

By the end of the year, drivers in Qatar will have the chance to buy several fully-electric Xpeng models with self-driving technology, including the P7 sedan and G6 SUV.

“Entering the Qatar market is a strategic move for Xpeng,” said Alex Tang, the carmaker’s general manager of international markets. “It not only strengthens our presence in the Middle East but also complements our mission to provide smart, eco-friendly transport solutions on a global scale.”

Known for its autonomous driving technology, Xpeng has been aggressively expanding into markets outside mainland China as it pursues new growth engines.

Overseas sales accounted for 10 per cent of the company’s total sales of 30,207 vehicles in the second quarter of this year, it said during an earnings briefing last month.

At present, Xpeng is also selling its cars in markets like Thailand, France and Australia. The company also offers right-hand-drive cars to customers in Hong Kong.