Xpeng takes control of UK sales ahead of L03 crossover launch
Chinese EV maker Xpeng is bringing its UK sales operations in-house ahead of launching the L03 coupé-crossover, while retaining International Motors for operational support.
Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is taking direct control of its UK sales operations as it prepares to launch a new model in the market. The company, which entered Britain last year through importer International Motors, is now establishing its own national sales company to manage the strategic and commercial development of the brand.
Xpeng said it will continue to draw on International Motors' operational infrastructure and local distribution expertise, with the importer retaining a role in providing operational services. The move follows the delivery of around 1,800 units of the G6 crossover, the model that introduced the brand to UK customers and positioned it as a rival to the Tesla Model Y.
The transition marks a significant step in Xpeng's international expansion strategy. By taking ownership of its UK operations, the company gains greater control over pricing, marketing, and customer experience, while still benefiting from the established logistics network that International Motors has built through its work with Subaru and Isuzu.
Xpeng's UK line-up is set to grow with the arrival of the L03 coupé-crossover and the X9 MPV, the latter positioned as a competitor to the Volkswagen ID Buzz. The L03, marketed under the Mona brand in China, offers a choice of 56kWh and 69kWh batteries, with a claimed range of up to 388 miles on China's CLTC test cycle.
The L03 features a minimalist interior dominated by a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, reflecting the design language common across modern Chinese EVs. Xpeng is emphasising the model's artificial intelligence capabilities, including advanced autonomous driving assistance and voice assistant technology, as key differentiators in the competitive European market.
No launch date or pricing has been confirmed for the UK, but analysts suggest an entry price below £40,000 would place the L03 in direct competition with established electric crossovers such as the Skoda Enyaq and Ford Explorer. Such positioning would be critical for Xpeng as it seeks to build volume in a market where Chinese brands are increasingly challenging European incumbents.
The company currently operates a retail network of 48 dealers across England, Wales, and Scotland. It remains unclear whether Xpeng plans to expand this footprint as part of its shift to in-house sales management, though the move to take direct control often precedes network development in new markets.
Xpeng's decision reflects a broader trend among Chinese automakers seeking to establish stronger brand presence in Europe. Direct sales operations allow manufacturers to gather customer data, manage service quality, and adapt quickly to local market conditions, advantages that are harder to achieve through third-party importers alone.
