Chinese electric car brand Xpeng has laid out its UK dealer network strategy, ahead of the carmaker’s launch in early 2025.

First to arrive is the G6 fully electric coupé SUV

In November, the company signed a distribution deal with International Motors Ltd (IML), which already works with Isuzu, Subaru and GWM.

First to arrive is the G6 fully electric coupé SUV. The Tesla Model Y rival features an all-wheel drive powertrain with a 0-62mph time of less than four seconds, a range of up to 342 miles and recharging from 10 to 80%. Showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, the car has already earned a top five-star rating from Euro NCAP.

Tailored for European preferences, it also comes with “a next-generation driving experience that aligns with consumers’ increasing focus on seamless technology integration with state-of-the-art operating systems”.

Its arrival will be supported by a focus on strong Xpeng dealer partners “who are passionate about the EV transition” to enable customers to experience the brand and its products.

The first Xpeng dealer will be announced in early 2025 and up to 20 retailers are set to be appointed in 2025 along with a wider aftersales network. A further expansion in 2026 as sales volumes increase could see up to 40 dealers by the close of that year.

William Brown, managing director at IML and head of the Xpeng brand in the UK, said recent years had seen carmakers adopt different dealer network strategies, with some trying out the agency route.

“We firmly believe that a network of strong dealer partners is still of the utmost importance, and whilst there has been a trend in some manufacturers selling directly via an agency agreement, we remain committed to the traditional model, allowing dealers the opportunity for the customer to have a positive brand experience,” he outlined.

Brown went on: “Some of the retailers will come from our already engaged network of partners who support our other brands, but some will also be new partners for us at IML. Our strategy is to seek and appoint the right dealers, in the optimum locations.

“It is likely that several of our existing dealers will also be on-hand as aftersales support points, giving Xpeng customers a wide coverage of aftersales care.”