Xpeng expands its presence in Europe, launching operations in five new countries

The Chinese manufacturer Xpeng is not slowing down in its offensive aimed at becoming a relevant player in the European electric vehicle market. The company has just announced the start of operations in five new countries on the continent, with the aim of consolidating its presence in Europe. Xpeng has explained that its strategy involves adopting different sales models depending on the characteristics of each country, ranging from strategic alliances to the creation of its own dealer network.

The five European countries we are referring to are the following: Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia.

In Switzerland, Xpeng has established a partnership with the Swedish giant Hedin Mobility Group to develop a nationwide sales network. The project starts in the town of Dielsdorf, taking advantage of an existing Hedin Automotive facility, and it is expected that by the end of 2025 there will be between eight and ten dealerships offering the brand’s G6 and G9 models. By 2026, when the P7+ saloon joins the Chinese manufacturer’s range, the network could expand to between ten and twenty sales points. In addition, Hedin will integrate its seven current showrooms in Switzerland into Xpeng’s network, strengthening its presence.

In Austria, whose official launch is scheduled for October, Xpeng will opt to replicate the model implemented in Germany, where it already has a network of 35 dealerships. The company will build its own distribution network, starting with key cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, Graz and Klagenfurt. By the end of this year, Xpeng hopes to have ten dealerships, with the intention of reaching twenty in 2026. According to the company itself, the success of the German model has motivated them to follow the same steps in Austria.

On the other hand, in Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia, Xpeng has chosen a different approach by partnering with AutoWallis and the Portuguese group Salvador Caetano. This alliance will allow it to leverage its partners’ existing structures and resources to establish a solid sales and service network. In addition, the brand plans to open temporary stores in Ljubljana, Budapest and Zagreb to present its G6 and G9 SUVs to the local public, seeking to attract attention and generate interest among potential customers in these emerging markets.

Fierce competition among Chinese manufacturers leaves their local market behind

Xpeng’s expansion in Europe reflects its ambition to compete head-to-head with other Chinese manufacturers, such as NIO, in the global market. In recent years, the company has intensified its efforts to win over international markets, with the goal of exports accounting for 50 percent of its sales over the next decade. Between January and August of this year, Xpeng sold more than 24,000 vehicles outside China, an impressive increase of 137 percent compared with the previous year.

The company has also begun producing the G6 and G9 models in Austria, in collaboration with Magna, which allows it to better adapt to the demands of the European market and avoid tariffs on electric vehicle imports from China.