Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng Inc. said it intends to hire over 6,000 people next year, racing ahead with global expansion and bracing for heated competition. In an internal letter reviewed by Reuters, the company’s founder and CEO He Xiaopeng revealed the update Tuesday.
Xpeng’s workforce expansion comes as the company prepares for a price war starting in January 2025 which it aims to be ready for in the competitive EV sector. The letter, which reads, states: “In the EV market in 2025 there will be fiercer competition and price adjustments will have a key role.”
Xpeng already has a presence in 30 countries and regions and wants to nearly double that, to more than 60 markets world wide, ending next year. This massive expansion fits in line with China’s grand strategy to dominate the EV space globally, and Xpeng is confident in its product line and technology to play in the international arena.
As the company’s global expansion has skyrocketed, so too has the company’s commitment to boosting the power of its brand overseas, with a particular focus on Europe where advanced EV demand is still expanding rapidly. Xpeng’s strategy is to win a larger share in the market by appropriating innovation and price competitiveness.
It’s a crowded EV market, one in which more and more players are entering and rain has become a popular price strategy, and He Xiaopeng acknowledged it too. To compete and stay ahead, Xpeng is looking to keep investments in research and development high enough to justify keeping cars technologically advanced but offering good pricing for consumers.
Domestically and internationally, Xpeng raised its profile with a portfolio of EVs featuring innovative features, including autonomous driving and smart connectivity. Customers have been drawn to the company’s focus on sustainability and cutting edge technology and it has been positioned as a significant part of the EV transition.
While competition is expected to intensify, Xpeng’s focus on scaling its workforce and operations reflects its commitment to maintaining growth momentum and strengthening its position in the dynamic global EV market.