(April 24): XPeng Inc is in talks with overseas automakers on potential cooperation, according to its chairman, as the Chinese electric‑vehicle maker looks to commercialise its driver-assistance technology globally and expand production outside China.
Interest in the Guangzhou‑based company’s advanced driving systems has come from both domestic carmakers and tier‑1 parts suppliers, as well as European companies, chair He Xiaopeng said in an interview with Bloomberg Television in Beijing on Thursday.
“XPeng’s autonomous driving solution is globally adaptable, easier to deploy and safer,” He said.
The push comes as global competition in partially and fully autonomous-driving technology intensifies, with automakers and tech companies racing to develop scalable, safety-certified platforms. That’s spurring cross-border partnerships, underscoring China’s position as a leading developer of the technology.
He said he plans to meet Friday with Volkswagen AG’s chief executive officer Oliver Blume, and that the two automakers’ cooperation over the past three years “has gone smoothly.”
Separately, XPeng said overseas demand for its cars has exceeded expectations, particularly in France and Germany, where sales have outpaced local production capacity. The company plans to expand overseas manufacturing from 2026, both by upgrading existing plants and building new facilities, with Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America among the regions under consideration.
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XPeng also reiterated confidence that profitability will improve on a quarter‑on‑quarter basis this year, as it scales up technology monetisation and overseas operations while preparing to bring robotaxi and other AI‑driven mobility projects to market.
“The next five to 10 years will be a make‑or‑break period” for all automakers, He said. “Over the next decade, we aim to transform into a global AI technology company.”
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