Xpeng is targeting annual sales of 1 million vehicles by 2030, with half of that volume expected to come from Europe. If achieved, the goal would put the Chinese electric-vehicle manufacturer ahead of Ford’s current European sales and among the region’s largest automotive brands.

Chairman He Xiaopeng disclosed the target during the Paris Motor Show. Xpeng has sold roughly 60,000 vehicles across Europe since beginning sales of the G3 in Norway in late 2020, so reaching 500,000 annual European sales would represent a substantial increase from its current position.

Based on the regional sales figures cited in the source, 500,000 vehicles would exceed Ford’s 426,459 sales last year. It would also be higher than Opel/Vauxhall’s 399,783 vehicles and Tesla’s 238,656, while coming close to Kia’s 507,304 sales.

European manufacturing expansion

Xpeng does not intend to reach the target solely by increasing exports from China. He said the company would instead expand European production through a partnership with a local manufacturer.

The proposed arrangement could involve building a new facility or using an existing plant. Rather than simply assembling imported knockdown kits, the site would produce “mid-level” vehicles that comply with new Made in Europe rules requiring a minimum level of local content for electric vehicles.

The production model would resemble that of an established European automaker, although Xpeng is still expected to source many components from China, where it retains a cost advantage over legacy competitors.

Current production in Austria

Contract manufacturer Magna Steyr already builds Xpeng’s G6, G9, and P7+ sedan at its factory in Graz, Austria. The facility is also set to produce the G9L, Xpeng’s flagship SUV offered with both range-extender and battery-electric powertrains.

The G9L recently completed a production trial at the Austrian plant. Xpeng has not disclosed how many examples it intends to build there, with output likely to depend on demand.

G9L powertrain details

In Germany, the G9L is priced from €74,600. Its range-extender version combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine, an electric motor, and a 63-kWh battery for a claimed 577 horsepower and 513 pound-feet of torque.

Two battery-electric versions are also confirmed. The entry version uses a 91.9-kWh battery, while the flagship receives a 110-kWh pack and two electric motors. The top electric model produces the same stated 577 horsepower and 513 pound-feet of torque as the range-extender version.