Xpeng (XPEV) is launching its popular models in the Middle East and Africa, partnering with a subsidiary of Almana Group as the company’s exclusive distributor in Qatar, and Axess Limited in the East African nation of Mauritius.
The Chinese EV maker will enter the Qatari market with the G6 and G9 SUVs and, later with the P7+ sedan. Xpeng (XPEV) also showcased products from its Adridge flying car subsidiary at the product launch in Doha.
“Qatar will serve as a vital gateway for us to connect with global users, showcase cutting-edge smart technologies, and deliver premium mobility experiences,” said Xpeng’s Middle East and Africa general manager, Wang Ke.
The company also has an “experience center” in Abu Dhabi, showroom and service center in Egypt, and accessories warehouse in Dubai.
Xpeng’s (XPEV) Middle East ambition aims to close the gap with BYD, the largest Chinese EV brand in MENA, with both competing for a large chunk of the untapped Middle East market.
According to data from AlixPartners, Chinese EVs are forecasted to achieve a 34% market share in the oil-rich region by 2030, up from 10% in 2024, making the Middle East/Africa with the highest share of Chinese vehicles outside of China, Russia and Belarus. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of Middle East EV car buyers place a high level of trust in cars made in China, more than double the confidence placed on U.S.-made EVs.
Xpeng’s (XPEV) Middle East expansion is boosting shares in the Chinese EV category with Xpeng (XPEV) up 8%, NIO (NIO) and Li Auto (LI) up 3% and BYD (BYDDY) (BYDDF) trading with a gain of 1.4%.