China EVs: Xpeng’s G6 SUV goes head to head with Tesla’s Model Y as competition intensifies

Xpeng has received pre-orders for 35,000 units since June 9, with deliveries to start later this month

Xpeng has priced the SUV’s basic edition at 209,900 yuan (US$28,957), 20 per cent cheaper than the entry-level Tesla Model Y

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Xpeng will start delivering its G6 SUV to customers in China later this month. Photo: Weibo

Published: 1:34pm, 6 Jul 2023

Chinese electric vehicle start-up Xpeng expects to ramp up production of its new G6 sport-utility vehicle (SUV), eyeing sales of more than 10,000 units a month as it tries to keep up with rivals in mainland China’s premium EV segment.

Brian Gu, vice-chairman and president of the Guangzhou-based carmaker, told a media briefing on Wednesday evening that Xpeng would try to cut the waiting period for the G6 as demand had exceeded expectations.

“We think for the G6 to be a successful star product, it has to consistently exceed 10,000 units [of sales] per month,” Gu said. “It is something we hope to achieve later in the year.”

With the market expecting monthly orders for the G6 to reach at least 10,000 units, the carmaker is expected to ramp up output, with third-quarter production and delivery likely to reach between 19,000 and 24,000 units, Citi said in a note on Wednesday.

Xpeng’s newly released G6 SUV. Photo: Weibo

Xpeng has priced the SUV’s basic edition at 209,900 yuan (US$28,957), 20 per cent cheaper than the 263,900 yuan tag on Tesla’s Model Y entry-level version.

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