The Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, also known as Auto China, is a highly anticipated event in the automotive industry, showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the world of cars. This year, the spotlight was on Chinese new energy vehicle brands Li Auto and Zeekr, as they both achieved record-breaking delivery numbers in September.
Li Auto, a company known for its hybrid vehicles equipped with a fuel tank for extended driving range, reported an impressive 53,709 deliveries in September. This marked a significant increase of over 5% from their previous high in July. On the other hand, Zeekr, a Geely-owned electric car company, also set a new record with 21,333 vehicle deliveries during the same month.
The rise of new energy vehicles, which include hybrids and battery-powered cars, has been a prominent trend in China’s automotive market. In fact, this category accounted for more than half of new passenger car sales in the country in July and August, according to industry data.
While Li Auto and Zeekr celebrated their success, other major players in the Chinese electric vehicle market such as Nio, BYD, Xiaomi, and Aito (co-developed by Huawei) had yet to release their September delivery numbers as of Tuesday afternoon. However, Xpeng, another key player in the industry, also achieved a record number of electric car deliveries in September, totaling 21,352 units.
One interesting point to note is that Chinese competitors have been launching new models this year that are priced lower than comparable Tesla models. For example, Xpeng’s mass-market Mona brand’s M03 coupe, which was launched in late August, has been selling for less than the Tesla Model Y SUV and Model 3.
The success of Li Auto, Zeekr, and Xpeng in September has put them on track to surpass their previously announced delivery forecasts. While Xpeng’s U.S.-listed shares saw a 3.12% increase in after-hours trading following the announcement, Zeekr was slightly below its average monthly minimum needed to reach its annual delivery goal.
Overall, the record-breaking delivery numbers from Chinese new energy vehicle brands in September highlight the growing popularity and competitiveness of the electric vehicle market in China. With innovative technologies, competitive pricing, and a strong consumer demand for environmentally friendly transportation options, these companies are paving the way for a greener future in the automotive industry.