Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto has made its debut in the Philippines, marking its first official presence in Southeast Asia as the company steps up its global expansion strategy, according to reports from several Philippine media outlets.
Li Auto is showcasing two of its extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) — the mid-size Li L7 and full-size flagship Li L9 SUVs — through local distributor HomeAuto Inc. The display is being held at SM Mall of Asia from April 4 to April 10, ahead of the planned opening of a showroom in Bonifacio Global City.
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“We are thrilled to introduce Li Auto’s innovative smart electric vehicles to the Philippines,” said Stone Yu, CEO of HomeAuto Inc., as quoted by The Manila Times. “The local market presents a significant opportunity for us with its increasing awareness of electric vehicles and growing interest in modern technology.”
A third model, possibly the larger Li Mega MPV, may also be introduced in the future, though Li Auto has not yet made any official announcements through its own channels. The company’s brand in the country will operate under the name Li Auto Philippines.
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While the automaker has not confirmed any direct overseas sales initiatives, it has signaled interest in international growth. During a March 14 earnings call, company executives noted plans to explore markets with high growth potential in 2025 and highlighted existing service centers in Kazakhstan, Dubai, and Uzbekistan.
Li Auto delivered 36,674 vehicles in March, up 26.5% from a year earlier, and 39.6% higher than in February. For 2024, the company delivered 500,508 vehicles in total, with a 33.1% year-on-year increase. It aims to reach 700,000 vehicle deliveries in 2025, targeting approximately 40% growth.