Another First For XPeng: EV Maker Beats Rival Nio By Shipping Its P7 Sedan To Norway, Aiming For Q4 Delivery

XPeng Inc -  ADR XPEV has managed to get ahead of domestic peer Nio Inc - ADR NIO exporting its EV sedan, the P7, to Norway. The first Norwegian customers are expected to receive their P7s in the fourth quarter.

What Happened: XPeng confirmed it has started shipping the first batch of the XPeng P7 from Guangzhou to Norway, marking the first time the company is exporting its sedan model to a market outside China.

XPeng has already entered the Norway market through the export of its G3 smart SUV that began in December.

The P7 sedan, which was initially launched in China in mid-2020, has clocked sales of 40,000 units by the end of July.

"We are dedicated to meeting the growing customer demand for our smart EVs in China and internationally by bringing the most sophisticated and stylish models to our customers," said He Xiaopeng, chairman and CEO of XPeng.

Related Link: Nio, XPeng, Buffett-Backed BYD Among Top Quality EV Brands In China: Survey

The Norwegian version of the P7 rolled off XPeng's production line at its Zhaoqing smart EV manufacturing base in August.

XPeng said it is concurrently accelerating the momentum of its build-out in Norway, establishing a full-scale operation that encompasses customer experience, sales, delivery, service, charging and lifestyle facilities.

The P7 received the European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval earlier this year, the company said.

Why It's Important: Chinese EV startups such as Nio, XPeng and Li Auto Inc. LI are emerging as strong contenders in the local market. Domestic success has lured them into eyeing overseas expansion.

Norway has the highest EV penetration in the world, with plug-in electric vehicles accounting for 84.7% of new auto sales in July 2021, with about 76% of these battery-powered EVs.

In May, Nio announced its entry into the Norway market, with plans to ship its ES8 SUV model to the nation. The company said the second model to be made available in Norway is its yet-to-be-released ET7 sedan. This model, which was announced at the company's Nio Day 2020 in early January, is expected to be delivered in early 2022.

XPeng also became the first U.S.-listed Chinese EV marker to pursue a dual listing in the Hong Kong stock exchange.

XPeng Price Action: Shares were up 1.94% to $40.42.

Related Link: Why Nio, XPeng, Li Auto Are Likely Beneficiaries Of This Latest Chinese Regulatory Crackdown

Photo: Courtesy of XPeng