Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng is preparing its new L03 for the UK as it brings its sales operations in-house.
Xpeng arrived in the UK last year with the G6, a crossover that rivals Tesla’s Model Y, and Subaru and Isuzu importer International Motors handles shipping and retail operations here.
But now, with 1,800 G6s delivered to UK customers, Xpeng is taking steps to establish its own national sales company and “take ownership of its UK operations, while continuing to leverage International Motors’ proven operational infrastructure and local market distribution expertise.”
International engines will continue to provide “operational services”, but Xpeng will now assume responsibility for the “strategic and commercial development of the brand in the market.”
It is unclear whether Xpeng plans to grow its UK retail network, which currently comprises 48 dealers across England, Wales and Scotland.
The company said it will expand its range here with the X9 minivan, which rivals the Volkswagen ID Buzz, and the new L03 coupe-crossover.
Marketed under the Mona brand in China (which stands for “Made from New AI”), the L03 comes with a choice of 56 kWh and 69 kWh batteries and claims a range of up to 388 miles on China’s CLTC test cycle.
Like most Chinese EVs, it has a minimalist interior centered around a large central touchscreen (here measuring a substantial 15.6 inches) and specializes in AI functionality, with Xpeng touting its advanced self-driving capabilities and voice assistant technology.
There’s no word on a release date or price yet, but an entry price below £40,000 would bring the L03 in line with rivals such as the Skoda Enyaq and Ford Explorer.
Source link
