- Li Auto has signed partnerships with UAE and Saudi Arabian dealers and announced expansion plans for the Asia-Pacific region.
- The company will introduce its L-series EREV models to the Middle East market and plans to officially enter the Asia-Pacific market starting in May.
Li Auto signed key regional dealer agreements for the Middle East and unveiled its Asian expansion plans, as the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker ramps up its bets on overseas markets.
The company signed partnership agreements with the UAE's Al Fahim Motors and Saudi Arabia's Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors at its Beijing headquarters on Saturday, paving the way for its L-series extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models to enter the Middle East.
As a pioneer of EREVs in China, Li Auto's L-series lineup includes the Li L6, Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9. The company has also launched battery electric vehicle (BEV) models, including the Li Mega MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), as well as the Li i6 and Li i8 electric SUVs (sport utility vehicles).
As part of its Middle East expansion, Li Auto will first introduce its L-series models to the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets, the company said.
Renowned for their extended-range technology, spacious flagship interiors, and intelligent cockpit experiences, the L-series aims to provide families in the region with a more eco-friendly and smarter mobility solution.
"The premium, family oriented positioning and extended range technology of the L series perfectly match the needs of Middle Eastern customers," Wu Zuomin, head of international business at Li Auto, said during the signing ceremony.
The company also announced market entry plans for Cambodia, Laos, Macau, and Myanmar.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Li Auto is launching extensive partnerships with major regional distributors, including SDB in Cambodia, Hongyun in Laos, and Hongyue Group in Macau.
The company is currently actively preparing for these initiatives and plans to officially enter these Asia-Pacific markets starting this May.
Acting prudently for resilience
At a time when Chinese automakers are racing to expand overseas, Li Auto is moving relatively late, adopting a cautious approach that it considers a deliberate strategic choice.
During a media session with international outlets, including CnEVPost, on Saturday, Li Auto executives said that the key to global expansion lies in building a complete service and operational system.
Currently, Li Auto's overseas business remains in its infancy. The company is not prioritizing short-term sales and gross margins, but rather focusing on system development, said its president Ma Donghui.
This comprehensive capacity building covers channel networks, after-sales services, local logistics, parts warehousing, and the long-term cultivation of brand awareness.
For the Middle East market, Li Auto believes its large SUVs and extended-range technology are highly compatible with the travel needs of local large families.
The company will plan a central warehouse in the Middle East to ensure parts supply and will optimize vehicle hardware to withstand the region's high temperatures and dusty weather.
Previously, Li Auto made substantial progress in Central Asia, where unofficial parallel exports have accumulated an existing fleet of about 10,000 vehicles.
As a crucial step in its overseas strategy, Li Auto is working to integrate these existing users into its official system by providing official parts and OTA upgrades.
Looking ahead, Europe has been established as a core target market for Li Auto's next phase of growth, with the company confirming its participation in the 2026 Paris Motor Show.
This will mark Li Auto's debut at a top-tier international auto show in Europe. In February this year, the company also officially joined the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) to expand its institutional influence.
Li Auto currently maintains a cautious stance on the European market, with its Munich R&D center dedicated to gaining a deep understanding of Europe's stringent regulations and user demands.
Regarding potential overseas manufacturing, the company said it currently relies primarily on vehicle exports from China, maintaining a prudent wait-and-see approach toward localized production.
