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Malaysia Sun
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Malaysia Sun
Economic Watch: Wheels to wings: Chinese automakers challenge frontiers of mobility
SHANGHAI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- At the ongoing 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025), Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker XPENG's humanoid robot, IRON, stole the spotlight by debating the merits of the company's self-developed flying car with its creator, CEO He Xiaopeng. Combining an electric road vehicle with an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air module, the model has already garnered nearly 5,000 pre-orders since its debut at Airshow China last year. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2026. "This is the Land Aircraft Carrier, the first-ever mass-produced flying car. The tech is absolutely next-level!" IRON said, raising its left hand and giving a thumbs-up to its audience. This fusion of robotics and aerial mobility signals a tectonic shift: China's auto industry is no longer confined to four wheels, with automakers breaking the mold and re-imagining mobility. And with embodied AI, cars aren't just evolving -- they're branching out into the areas of flying vehicles and humanoid robotics, forging a futuristic trio for the AI era. BEYOND WHEELS Behind this technological spectacle is an impressive industry performance. Official data showed that China's auto production and sales both saw year-on-year growth exceeding 10 percent in the first quarter, and its low-altitude economy, according to industry analysts, is rapidly approaching the 1-trillion-yuan (about 138.8 billion U.S. dollars) milestone, growing at a compound annual rate of nearly 30 percent. "The intelligent automotive sector is evolving into an aggregated intelligent industry," said Zhang Yongwei, vice chairman and secretary-general of NEV industry think tank China EV 100. "Smart vehicles stay on roads, flying cars ascend to low-altitude skies, and humanoid robots embody AI-driven mobility." This three-pronged vision materialized at the show: Chery's "three-body" composite-wing flying car attracted Southeast Asian buyers seeking island-hopping solutions, while GAC Group showcased its third-generation GoMate robot capable of navigating factory floors, with its six-hour battery life powered by auto-grade energy systems. "Our humanoid robot, Mornine, is now serving as a digital shopping assistant at Chery's dealerships in Malaysia," a company representative said, adding that following its rollout in Malaysia and Russia, Chery aims to have Mornine present in all of its dealerships worldwide. FAW Group unveiled its Hongqi-branded flying car at the show, featuring a flight range of over 200 kilometers and an intelligent cockpit system that delivers real-time voice and visual data to reduce operational complexity. The Changchun-based automaker confirmed that the vehicle will make its maiden flight this year, with development adhering to strict aviation safety standards. "Future auto shows won't just feature cars, they'll showcase more cutting-edge tech and embodied AI," He Xiaopeng said, drawing parallels to the early days of NEVs a decade ago. While flying cars and humanoid robots are still in their nascent stages, the tech entrepreneur feels confident in their rapid growth within the coming decade. SYNERGY UNLEASHED Smart cars, flying vehicles and humanoid robots share common technical foundation and supply chains. Analysts say that eVTOLs can share up to 80 percent of their supply chain with electric vehicles, leveraging China's mature EV supply chain for cost efficiency. "Smart vehicles, eVTOLs and robots share the same fundamental roots," Zhang said, adding that the control architectures, key hardware chips and software platforms developed for intelligent vehicles can be adapted for eVTOLs directly, with many components also transferable to humanoid robots. This technological synergy has been affirmed by many industry insiders. Aptiv China and Asia Pacific President Yang Xiaoming described flying cars as "electric vehicles that fly," saying that they bridge automotive electrification and aviation compliance. And startups like Digua Robotics see cars as "four-wheeled robots." "Autonomous driving systems -- cameras, radar and AI chips -- are identical to robotics," Digua CEO Wang Cong said. Bolstered by thriving aviation, NEV, 5G and AI industries, China's flying car sector has built a solid industrial foundation, achieving technological parity with global competitors and even leading in certain areas. The inexorable logic of scale also persists. With 30 million vehicles produced annually, Chinese automakers can slash costs for niche products like flying cars and robots. For example, GAC's GoMate robots are now capable of handling full vehicle production tasks in its auto plants, creating a self-contained business ecosystem within the automaker. BRIGHT HORIZON After 40 years of evolution, the Shanghai auto show has cemented its position as the world's premier automotive exhibition in both scale and prestige. "The exceptional visitor enthusiasm at this year's event speaks volumes about the robustness of China's industrial ecosystem and the magnetic pull of its economy," said Gu Chunting, vice chairman of the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai, which organized the event alongside the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. From Toyota's 2-billion-dollar Shanghai EV hub to BMW's deepened partnerships with Chinese tech companies like Huawei and DeepSeek, global players are anchoring themselves in China's mobility metamorphosis. "China has emerged as the world's foremost proving ground for electric and intelligent vehicle transformation over the past 10 years," said Guan Mingyu, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company Greater China, noting that the Chinese market's evolution in these sectors will reshape global automotive technology roadmaps, business architectures and competitive dynamics through the next decade. From wheels to wings and robots, China's auto industry is pioneering a smart ecosystem powered by cross-sector synergy and industrial scale. The country's eVTOL industry is approaching the threshold of mass production and scaled deployment, and its humanoid robotics are just beginning to show growth potential. "China's low-altitude economy hit its stride since last year," said Zhao Deli, founder of XPENG's flying car affiliate, Huitian. "Policy tailwinds, infrastructure rollouts and maturing supply chains are fueling growth, especially in drone logistics, air taxis and emergency services." Zhao noted that China's low-altitude tourism sector, though still small-scale due to infrastructure gaps and high costs, holds strong growth potential. Fueled by rising demand, it could become both a tourism highlight and a driver of regional economic development. "More supportive policies will energize the market, channeling greater resources into infrastructure development, investment and consumer engagement," he added.
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
U.S. -China Trade War Provides A Cloud Over Glitzy Shanghai Auto Show
XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng and XPeng's humanoid AI robot IRON visit XPeng booth during the 21st Shanghai ... More International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025). (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) The 2025 Auto Shanghai show has featured new models and component systems introduced. An automotive consultant said Monday there was one subject that wasn't mentioned much but still had an impact on the show – the 145% U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods implemented by President Donald Trump. 'The tariffs weren't talked about but there a cloud,' said Tu Le, founder and managing director of Sino Auto Insights, a Beijing-based consulting firm. He was the speaker at an Automotive Press Association webinar on Monday. The consultant attended media days and trade days at the show last week. The show began April 23 and runs through Friday. Le said auto dealers from Canada attended the show and expressed an interest in bringing in Chinese vehicles. The Trump administration is implementing tariffs on vehicles and components from Canada and Mexico. The tariffs will have an adverse impact on the North American auto industry, where supply chains crisscross borders. The consultant said Chinese vehicle makers are 'going to be welcomed quite a bit' to build factories in countries targeted by the Trump administration for tariffs. 'It's business as usual, just without the United States.' He predicted the European Union 'will probably want (Chinese) vehicles assembled in Europe.' During the presentation, Le commented about other trends. --Foreign automakers are adjusting their China operations to expansion by the home Chinese vehicle makers, led by BYD. Foreign brands such as Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. 'feel they have bottomed out' and 'can be competitive,' he said. Meanwhile, he said Hyundai and Kia face 'a lot of headwinds' in China even though the brands perform strongly in other regions. --The Chinese market is experiencing a proliferation of models and new brands. Some automakers are creating new brands. For example, the traditional Audi brand, with its four rings, is becoming known as 'Four Rings,' while a separate Audi brand, simply called 'Audi' is being added. The traditional Audi (with rings) had been known for being driven by Chinese government officials, Le said. The new Audi (without rings) is intended to reach out to other customers. 'Chinese feel better not to deal with the baggage' of existing brands, Le said. 'It's hard to keep up with the new vehicles and new brands.' According to Le, the Shanghai show had eight halls for automakers and were the equivalent of 17 football fields long.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
XPENG Unveils AI-Driven Mobility Revolution at Auto Shanghai 2025
Next-Gen AI Brain: Launched the XPENG World Foundation Model with 35× the parameters of conventional VLA models, enabling real-time adaptation to complex driving scenarios Ultra-Fast Charging Revolution: Debuted 5C Supercharging AI Battery technology delivering 420km range in just 10 minutes on the new P7+ flagship Record-Breaking MPV XPENG X9: Achieved over 6,000 firm orders in 7 days - a new pure electric MPV industry record IRON Humanoid Robot: Showcased full-stack self-developed IRON robots with human-like dexterity (22-DOF hands) and natural conversation capabilities Global Growth: Cumulative deliveries surpassing 700,000 units worldwide SHANGHAI, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XPENG Motors ('XPENG' or the 'Company,' NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), a globally-orientated high-tech automotive company, showcased its latest breakthroughs in smart electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial intelligence (AI), reinforcing its position as a global leader in AI-powered mobility solutions. XPENG Auto Shanghai 2025 Asset Library He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG, said, "Today marks a strategic evolution for XPENG - we're not merely launching products, but fundamentally redefining what an automotive company can be. Through our AI Tech Tree, we're building an integrated ecosystem where breakthrough innovations like our 5C Supercharging AI battery, Turing AI chip, and IRON robotics converge to create intelligent mobility solutions that learn, adapt, and transform transportation experiences."Advancing the Frontiers of AI Mobility Marking one year since achieving full-stack mass production of its AI system, XPENG has introduced the XPENG World Foundation Model - the next generation "AI Brain". This revolutionary architecture represents a leap in automotive intelligence, featuring 35 times the parameter count of conventional VLA (Vision-Language-Action) models. The system's self-optimizing capabilities enable real-time adaptation to unfamiliar driving scenarios, with its applications spanning AI-defined vehicles, robotics, and flying cars.5C Ultra-Fast Charging Redefines EV Convenience The spotlight shone on the world's first AI-defined car XPENG P7+. During the press conference, He Xiaopeng introduced the new Super Long Range Max Flagship Edition, equipped with XPENG's groundbreaking 5C Supercharging AI Battery technology. This innovation delivers an industry-leading 420km range with just 10 minutes of charging, while achieving an exceptional energy efficiency of 12.7kWh per 100km.2025 XPENG X9 Begins Global Delivery Following a grand launch event on April 15 in Hong Kong, XPENG has commenced worldwide deliveries of its 2025 X9 MPV. The updated model incorporates 496 enhancements, featuring the industry's first walk-through zero-gravity seats and standard high-level autonomous driving capabilities globally. Firm orders for the X9 surpassed 6,000 units within just seven days of launch, establishing a new record for pure electric MPVs. XPENG delivered 94,008 vehicles in the first quarter of 2025, with overseas deliveries reaching 7,615 units - a year-over-year increase of 370%. The company continues to lead China's smart EV market while accelerating its global expansion. To date, XPENG has been delivering more than 700,000 units Humanoid Robot Captures Global Attention The XPENG exhibition became a must-visit destination thanks to the stunning demonstrations of XPENG IRON humanoid robots. Standing at 178cm with 22 degrees of freedom in its dexterous hands, IRON showcased remarkably human-like capabilities including natural conversation powered by XPENG's smart cockpit AI, smooth movements, and precise object manipulation. This full-stack self-developed robotics platform underscores XPENG's expanding technological capabilities beyond automotive applications. About XPENG Founded in 2014, XPENG is a leading Chinese AI-driven mobility company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs, catering to a growing base of tech-savvy consumers. With the rapid advancement of AI, XPENG aspires to become a global leader in AI mobility, with a mission to drive the Smart EV revolution through cutting-edge technology, shaping the future of mobility. To enhance the customer experience, XPENG develops its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology and intelligent in-car operating system in-house, along with core vehicle systems such as the powertrain and electrical/electronic architecture (EEA). Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG also operates key offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, and Amsterdam. Its Smart EVs are primarily manufactured at its facilities in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. XPENG is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: XPEV) and Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX: 9868). For more information, please visit Contacts: For Media Enquiries: XPENG PR Department Email: pr@ Source: XPENG Motors Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
XPENG, futuristic leader of the Milan Design Week 2025
At the ADI Design Museum, the XPENG: #FUTUREMOBILITY exhibition, dedicated to innovation in intelligent mobility Italian preview for the XPENG P7+ electric sedan, the first car defined by Artificial Intelligence and XPENG AEROTH X2, the flying electric car European premiere for the IRON humanoid robot The XPENG models arriving in Italy in June will be the XPENG G6 and XPENG G9, imported and distributed exclusively by ATFLOW MILAN, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XPENG, a leading Chinese high-tech and automotive company, has chosen the iconic Milan Design Week 2025 as the stage of excellence for its preview on the Italian market. Founded in 2014, XPENG designs, develops, manufactures and markets AI-based intelligent electric vehicles for the global market. XPENG is strongly committed to Europe. Since entering the Norwegian automotive market in 2021, XPENG has introduced cutting-edge technologies and solutions, and is now present also in the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Poland and Italy. Worldwide, in the first quarter of 2025 XPENG delivered over 94,000 vehicles worldwide, with a growth of more than 300% compared to the same period of the previous year. The ADI Design Museum in Milan, a reference point for Italian design where the historical collection of the Compasso d'Oro Award is located, has been chosen by XPENG as the elective location to host "XPENG: #FUTUREMOBILITY", an exclusive exhibition to discover the cutting-edge solutions of a brand that combines robotics, artificial intelligence and futuristic design. The leading 'characters' of the exhibition are three futuristic XPENG creations, destined to transform the very concept of mobility: the EV XPENG P7+, the first car in the world defined by Artificial Intelligence, the XPENG AEROTH X2 flying electric car, already awarded the Gold Prize at the "China Excellent Industrial Design Award", which promises to revolutionize the way we will move in the cities of the future, and the humanoid robot IRON, at the forefront of the integration between artificial intelligence and humanized movement. 'There is no better place than Italy to talk about automotive culture, timeless design, and the near future of mobility!' said . 'Today at the iconic ADI Design Museum, we are adding a new milestone to XPENG's history, and this year's Milan Design Week perfectly matches our vision. Not only do we build intelligent driving vehicles, defined by the right mix of AI, hardware, and software, but we are also engaged in the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft and robotics.' 'We are honoured to present XPENG in Italy during the Milan Design Week in a prestigious setting such as the ADI Design Museum,' added . 'We could not have chosen a better context for a country with such a rich automotive tradition and a culture that has elevated design to an art form. Our design philosophy is explicit: to create cars that express our know-how through the perfect union between aesthetics and functionality in every aspect.'JuanMa Lopez, Vice President of Design Center, XPENG 'It is a source of pride and responsibility for us to be the exclusive importers and distributors of XPENG for Italy,' said . 'XPENG is one of the main protagonists of the global technological revolution. The excellence of the brand, together with our deep knowledge of the Italian market, will generate tangible benefits for customers and become a reference in the evolution of sustainable mobility in Italy.'Mattia Vanini, President, ATFLOW About XPENG Founded in 2014, XPENG is a leading Chinese AI mobility company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets intelligent electric vehicles, catering to a growing base of tech-savvy consumers. With the rapid advancement of AI, XPENG aspires to become a global leader in AI mobility, with a mission to lead the intelligent electric vehicle revolution through cutting-edge technology, shaping the future of mobility. To enhance the customer experience, XPENG in-house develops its advanced driver assistance technology (ADAS) and intelligent in-car operating system, along with core vehicle systems such as powertrain and electrical/electronic architecture (EEA). Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG also operates key offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, and Amsterdam. Its intelligent electric vehicles are mainly produced at its plants in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. XPENG is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: XPEV) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 9868). For more information, visit Contacts:For Media Enquiries:XPENG PR DepartmentEmail: pr@ XPENG Motors Photos accompanying this announcement are available athttps:// in to access your portfolio
