Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Lixiang Auto Inc (Li Auto) opened its first overseas research and development (R&D) center in the German city of Munich, as the company continues to step up its overseas sales drive.
Li Auto said the aim of the R&D centre is to collaborate with European component manufacturers in the development of next-generation technologies, including those related to AI, power semiconductors, smart chassis systems, electric drivetrains and overall vehicle design.
Through the new R&D centre, the automaker also aims to gain a better understanding of the European market and develop products that are more “aligned” with European automotive regulations and consumer preferences.
Li Auto’s CEO, Ma Donghui, said in a statement: “This R&D center marks the official start of Li Auto's global strategy. It will also serve as a cornerstone of our artificial intelligence (AI) core strategy, with nearly half of our R&D investment currently directed toward AI technologies."
Established in 2015, Li Auto is one of China’s more successful EV startups, with global sales last year growing by 33% to 500,508 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) – bringing the company’s cumulative sales to 1,133,872 units.
