London, 2 September 2026 — Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng is taking direct control of its UK business through a newly established National Sales Company, shifting from a distributor-led model to a manufacturer-run operation less than 18 months after entering the British market. The restructuring comes as XPeng prepares to expand its UK line-up beyond the XPeng G6 SUV with the arrival of the L03 coupé-crossover and X9 seven-seat MPV.
From Distributor to Direct: The New Structure
XPeng entered the UK in February 2025 with International Motors — the Solihull-based importer that also handles Subaru, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Motors and GWM — appointed as its official distributor. International Motors was responsible for importing, logistics and retail operations, building a network of dealerships across the country.
Under the new agreement announced on 2 September 2026, XPeng will assume direct responsibility for the strategic and commercial development of the brand in the UK. This includes brand development, dealer network investment, marketing, customer experience and future product launches. International Motors will continue providing operational services, infrastructure and local distribution expertise. Autocar first reported the move on 2 September.
"The establishment of our UK National Sales Company marks an important next step in XPeng's long-term commitment to the market," said Elvis Cheng, General Manager of XPeng North Eastern Europe, in a statement to Car Dealer Magazine. "By combining direct XPeng leadership and investment with International Motors' proven local capabilities, we are creating the right structure to scale the brand, strengthen the customer experience and bring our next generation of intelligent vehicles to more customers across the UK."
William Brown, Managing Director of International Motors, described the arrangement as "good news for XPeng, its retailers and its customers in the UK," noting it would give the brand "greater direct support from XPeng globally, while preserving the continuity, infrastructure and local expertise that International Motors has built over its 50-year history."
A Growing UK Footprint
XPeng's UK debut was built around a single model — the G6 electric SUV, a Tesla Model Y rival and the brand's first right-hand-drive vehicle. After a slow start in early 2025, sales accelerated through the year, reaching approximately 900 registrations by December.
Growth has continued strongly in 2026. China EV Home reported that XPeng registered 163 vehicles in July 2026 alone — a 1,937.5% year-on-year increase. Year-to-date registrations through July reached 930 units, up 437.6% compared to the same period in 2025. Combined with 2025's figures, XPeng has now delivered around 1,830 vehicles in the UK since launch.
The dealer network has also expanded. XPeng currently operates 48 dealerships across England, Wales and Scotland, with dealer partners including JCT600, Cox Motor Group, Ron Brooks, Marshall, Brindley, Park's and Peter Cooper. It's unclear whether XPeng plans to further grow the retail network under the new structure, though the company has indicated it will increase investment in its dealer network.
New Models on the Way: L03 and X9
The timing of the restructuring is no coincidence. XPeng is gearing up to significantly broaden its UK product line-up, with two new models confirmed as "coming soon":
- XPeng L03 — A compact electric coupé-SUV marketed under XPeng's Mona brand ("Made of New AI") in China. It offers 56kWh and 69kWh battery options with a claimed CLTC range of up to 388 miles. In Germany, the L03 starts at €35,600 including VAT, suggesting a UK price potentially below £40,000. The model made its global debut at the Munich motor show on 16 July 2026 and XPeng plans to sell it in 65 countries and regions this year.
- XPeng X9 — A seven-seat electric MPV built on XPeng's SEPA2.0 platform with 800-volt electrical architecture, first confirmed for the UK earlier in 2026.
Both vehicles will give XPeng's dealer network access to additional market segments — compact crossover and full-size MPV — complementing the existing mid-size G6 SUV.
How XPeng's Strategy Compares to Other Chinese EV Brands in the UK
XPeng's shift from distributor to direct control follows a pattern seen across Chinese EV brands expanding internationally, but each has taken a different path in the UK market:
- BYD — The market leader among Chinese brands in the UK operates its own national sales company with a large dealer network. With 44,398 year-to-date registrations through July 2026 (up 96.7% year-on-year) and 12 models on sale, BYD is far ahead of XPeng in scale. Unlike XPeng's pure-electric focus, BYD sells both BEVs and PHEVs.
- ORA (Great Wall Motors) — Also uses International Motors as its UK distributor, a relationship that appears to remain intact for now.
- Leapmotor — Has taken a different international approach through its partnership with Stellantis, which handles distribution in key European markets including the UK.
- MG (SAIC) — A long-established UK presence with its own sales company, offering a wide range of models at competitive prices.
The UK restructuring also mirrors XPeng's move in Australia earlier this year, where it terminated its exclusive distribution agreement with TrueEV and switched to a factory-direct model. However, the UK transition appears far more amicable — International Motors retains an operational role, and both sides have characterised the change as an evolution rather than a termination.
What the Direct Model Means for UK Buyers
For UK consumers considering an XPeng, the shift to direct manufacturer control could bring several benefits:
- Greater investment in the dealer network, marketing and customer experience
- Faster product launches with direct manufacturer decision-making
- More consistent pricing and brand messaging across the network
- Broader model range as XPeng commits more resources to the UK market
XPeng's broader international ambitions are substantial. The company aims for 550,000 to 600,000 total vehicle deliveries in 2026 and has set a target of one million cumulative overseas deliveries by 2030, with overseas sales expected to contribute 70% of total profit by that date.
While XPeng remains a small player in the UK with a 0.07% market share, the move to direct control — combined with the arrival of new models — signals a genuine long-term commitment to the British market. For EV shoppers, it's another sign that Chinese brands are maturing from importers into established players with genuine UK infrastructure.
Want to compare the XPeng G6 with other electric SUVs? Head over to our car database or read the latest in EV news. For the other big UK mobility story this week, don't miss our report on Wayve and Uber's London autonomous ride-hailing launch.
