Sonali Ray, writer
Brief news
- Li Auto and Zeekr achieved record vehicle deliveries in September, with Li Auto at 53,709 and Zeekr at 21,333.
- New energy vehicles accounted for over half of China’s passenger vehicle sales in July and August.
- Xpeng also reported a record 21,352 deliveries, aided by its new affordable models.
Detailed news
BEIJING— According to company data released on Tuesday, Li Auto and Zeekr, two Chinese new energy vehicle brands, each delivered a record number of vehicles in September.
Hybrids and battery-powered vehicles comprise the category of new energy vehicles. Industry data indicates that the category constituted over half of the new passenger vehicles sold in China during July and August.
In September, Li Auto reported 53,709 deliveries, surpassing the previous benchmark set in July by over 5%. The company’s vehicles are equipped with a fuel reservoir that serves to extend the battery’s operating range.
In September, Zeekr, an electric car company owned by Geely, also delivered a record-breaking 21,333 vehicles. As of Tuesday afternoon, Nio, BYD, Xiaomi, and Aito, which were jointly developed by Huawei, had not yet announced their September deliveries.
On Tuesday, the markets in Hong Kong and Mainland China were closed in observance of a holiday. The mainland markets are not scheduled to recommence trading until Oct. 8, while Hong Kong’s are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday.
In September, Xpeng also reported a record 21,352 electric car deliveries, which included over 10,000 units of the M03 coupe from its mass market Mona brand, which was introduced in late August.
That vehicle, as well as other new models introduced by Chinese competitors this year, are priced below the Tesla model that is comparable.
The Tesla Model Y SUV is priced at 249,900 yuan ($35,630), while the Model 3, the brand’s most affordable vehicle, is priced at 231,900 yuan. Tesla has maintained its prices this summer, following price reductions implemented earlier this year.
Zeekr was a few thousand vehicles short of the average monthly minimum required to achieve a previously reported annual goal, while Li Auto and Xpeng were on course to surpass previously announced delivery forecasts as a result of the September records.
Source : CNBC News
