Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is accelerating its international expansion with plans to launch its mass-market Mona brand in Europe next year and broaden its presence in dozens of global markets, even as it faces mounting competition at home and new tariff pressures abroad.
CEO He Xiaopeng told CNBC that Mona-branded vehicles, led by the Mona M03 coupe priced at just under $17,000, will debut in Europe in 2026 before being rolled out more widely. "In 2026 you can expect a variety of Mona products launched into the Chinese and European markets, as well as in rest of the world," He said. "I believe by then, what we launch will be very proven and very excellent vehicles."
The announcement underscores how Chinese automakers are pressing ahead in Europe, where BYD and others have already gained market share. The Mona line will compete directly against Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes, with pricing that undercuts many established players.
At the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Xpeng unveiled the Next P7 sedan for its European debut and announced the opening of its first European R&D center in Munich this month. Vice Chairman Brian Gu said the center will "deepen ties with European users, drive local innovation, and expand XPeng's global footprint."
Xpeng has already established a presence in more than 46 markets, far surpassing its earlier goal of reaching 60 countries and regions by the end of 2025. The Guangzhou-headquartered company began expanding abroad in 2020 with Norway and now counts Germany, France and other European countries as key destinations.
In addition to new EV models, Xpeng is pushing into artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and futuristic mobility. The company said it aims to mass-produce Level 4 autonomous vehicles by 2026 and expand its NGP smart driving system globally. It also plans to debut its modular flying car, the Land Aircraft Carrier, in Dubai this October, with mass production slated for 2026.
He signaled that acquisitions may also be part of the company's strategy, reflecting the fierce consolidation underway in China's crowded EV sector. "I think if we have the opportunity then we want to acquire some companies," He said. "Manufacturing companies, EV companies are always possible." Xpeng previously acquired the EV development business of ride-hailing firm Didi in 2023.
