Li Auto maps overseas push with i6 for Europe, L9 for Dubai You Should Know
- Li Auto plans to begin sales of the Li i6 electric SUV in Europe in the fourth quarter and the Li L9 in Dubai in September.
- The company will focus on extended-range models in the Middle East and Central Asia while prioritizing battery electric vehicles in Europe.
Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI) plans to begin selling the Li i6 electric SUV (sport utility vehicle) in Europe in the fourth quarter and enter Dubai in September, expanding its overseas business beyond Central Asia.
The Chinese automaker said during its earnings call on Wednesday that it would adopt different product strategies for different regions.
In Europe, the company will prioritize battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The Li i6 is set to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October before going on sale in Europe in the fourth quarter.
Li Auto did not disclose which European countries it would enter first or provide details on pricing, sales targets or distribution channels.
In the Middle East and Central Asia, the company will focus on its L-series extended-range SUVs.
Li Auto launched the new Li L9 extended-range SUV in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in July. It plans to introduce the model in Dubai in September, marking the formal start of its sales in the Middle East.
The company has also formed a strategic partnership with Kazakh automotive group Allur to advance the local adaptation and assembly of its existing models.
Li Auto said it would gradually build an overseas system spanning R&D, product development, manufacturing, sales and services.
The company is also expanding its presence in right-hand-drive markets. By year-end, Li Auto plans to launch the battery electric Li Mega MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) in Hong Kong and Singapore and introduce a right-hand-drive version of the Li i6.
Management said it aims to maintain the premium positioning Li Auto has established in the Chinese mainland while adjusting the pace of expansion to suit each market.
Its priorities will include ensuring compliance with local regulations, building after-sales service networks and strengthening brand awareness.
Li Auto also warned that geopolitical conditions and national regulatory policies remain sources of uncertainty for its overseas expansion, saying it would proceed cautiously.
The expansion comes as Li Auto’s domestic business faces pressure. The company delivered 98,330 vehicles in the second quarter, down 11.5% year-on-year, and recorded a net loss of 1.7 billion yuan ($251 million).
Li Auto held 87.5 billion yuan in cash reserves at the end of June. Management said the funds would support product innovation, technology development and global expansion.
Extended-range and battery electric vehicles each currently account for about 50% of Li Auto’s sales. With new models including the Li i9 being launched, the company expects the BEV share to increase further in the second half.
Li Auto’s overseas plan extends this dual-energy strategy but shifts the focus by region, using the L series to expand in the Middle East and Central Asia and BEVs including the Li i6 to enter Europe.
($1 = 6.7840 yuan)
