China’s Li Auto targets BMW and Mercedes with premium SUVs in Middle East, Asia-Pacific
China's EV maker aims for 30% overseas sales by 2030, taking on luxury giants.
Li Auto, one of Tesla's key competitors in China, is setting its sights on the Middle East and Asia-Pacific markets with its premium, intelligent SUVs. President Ma Donghui stated that the company aims to directly challenge established luxury petrol car brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. He acknowledged that while Li Auto's vehicles offer superior performance and user experience, building brand awareness overseas will take time as consumers have yet to test the cars. The company expects international deliveries to represent 30% of its total sales by 2030.
To achieve this, Li Auto is actively building a foreign sales network. It recently announced plans to expand into Asia-Pacific markets this May, forming partnerships with distributors in Cambodia, Laos, and Macau. On Saturday, the company signed distribution agreements with Al Fahim Motors in the UAE and Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in Saudi Arabia. Li Auto's large SUVs utilize extended-range battery technology, which may appeal to markets with developing charging infrastructure.
- Li Auto targets 30% of total sales from overseas markets by 2030.
- The company has signed distribution deals in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Li Auto will expand into Cambodia, Laos, and Macau starting May 2026.
Why It Matters
Chinese EV makers are aggressively challenging legacy luxury automakers on a global stage, reshaping the premium SUV market.