XPeng edges closer to Aussie takeover: New model rush tipped after deal is completed
XPeng is expected to assume control of its Australian vehicle distribution by the end of 2025.
The change from independently-owned distribution via TrueEV to the factory is also expected to pop the cork on a rapid roll-out of new XPeng models in Australia.
It’s also expected that XPeng will expand beyond pure battery electric vehicles to range extenders powertrains, which it has just started rolling out in China.
READ MORE: The future of XPeng in Australia is changing. Factory set to have bigger say in Chinese EV brand’s local plans
READ MORE: Is this the car to replace the iconic Tesla Model S? XPeng P7+ shown in Australia for the first time, sub $90K price promised!
READ MORE: 2026 XPeng G6 and G9 set fast charging records up to 525kW, trumping Porsche and Lotus at a fraction of the price
Since late 2024 the G6 medium electric SUV has been sold in Australia via TrueEV through a combination of its own dealerships and other franchisees.
It does not publicly reveal sales, but interest in the G6 has been high and it has performed well in Australian media road tests, including those conducted by EV Central.
In preparation for its expected Australian takeover, the factory has set up its own local office and appointed former GWM Australia chief operating officer Hidesuke Takesue as its leader.
If negotiations, which Takesue is central to from the XPeng side, go as expected he will run the XPeng business in both Australia and New Zealand where a factory-owned subsidiary is currently being set up.
EV Central understands that XPeng wants TrueEV to continue on with a role, most likely as a dealer partner.
EV Central approached XPeng executives at its Munich motor show stand, where the new P7 sedan was being shown, but they declined to offer comment on the situation.
But XPeng vice-president Brian Wu declared the company’s desire to get more involved in Australian operations as far back as May.
XPeng, which is into in manufacturing side by Chinese standards, is on a major export drive and is convinced Australian can be a lucrative market for it.
Earning income from NVES CO2 reduction scheme credits is understood to be part of the attraction of Australia.
The XPeng X9 people-mover, which is already sold in right-hand drive form in Hong Kong and the UK is understood to be the likely first addition to the local line-up under XPeng distribution.
A wide variety of other XPeng models have been previously mooted for Australia including the G9 and G7 SUVs and the Mona M03 and P7+ passenger cars.
But none have been launched here and it appears TrueEV’s attempts to widen its line-up have hit various issues, as discussed by CEO Jason Clarke here.
There are many new vehicles coming from XPeng as the 11-year old vehicle embarks on an unprecedented new model drive.
It also wants to bring its flying cars to Australia, which are developed by XPeng AeroTHT.
