Chinese EV maker Xpeng is priming its new L03 for the UK, as it takes its sales operations in-house.
Xpeng came to the UK last year with the G6, a Tesla Model Y-rivalling crossover, with Subaru and Isuzu importer International Motors handling the shipping and retail operation here.
But now, with 1800 G6s having been delivered to UK customers, Xpeng is moving to establish its own national sales company and "take ownership of its UK operations, while continuing to draw on International Motors' proven operational infrastructure and local market distribution expertise".
International Motors will continue to provide "operational services", but Xpeng will now take responsibility for the "strategic and commercial development of the brand in the market".
It's 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 line-up here with the Volkswagen ID Buzz-rivalling X9 MPV and new L03 coupé-crossover.
Marketed under the Mona brand in China (standing for 'Made of New AI'), the L03 comes with a choice of 56kWh and 69kWh 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 centred around a large central touchscreen – here measuring a substantial 15.6in – and majors on AI functionality, with Xpeng touting its advanced autonomous driving capability and voice assistant tech.
There is no word yet on a launch date or pricing, but an entry price below £40,000 would line the L03 up against rivals like the Skoda Enyaq and Ford Explorer.
