Chinese automaker Li Auto said on Tuesday it has opened its first store outside China, marking the beginning of its planned overseas expansion set to accelerate from 2026.
The company, founded and led by Li Xiang, is entering Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with an initial lineup of its hybrid SUVs — the Li L6, L7, and L9.
“We are excited to announce that Li Auto officially enters the Central Asia markets, marking a new chapter in our international business,” the company wrote on social media this Tuesday.
Li Auto took its first step into Central Asian markets last week, opening its first certified retail center outside China in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on October 10.
The store, operated in partnership with local dealer Control Auto, also marked the debut of the recently launched fully electric SUV, the Li i8.
The company launched its second fully electric model in late July, at about the same time as its main competitor, Onvo, which debuted the six-seater SUV L90.
Retail centers in Almaty and Astana are scheduled to open in November — according to the premium brand — as the focus on overseas markets increase.
“All new models scheduled for launch in 2026 will comply with overseas market regulations, bringing more innovative, intelligent, and user-centric products to families around the world,” Li Auto stated.
Li Xiang was the highest-paid director among Hong Kong-listed companies last year, with total compensation of 639 million yuan ($90 million), most of it in stock awards, Caixin Global reported earlier this Tuesday.
Of that amount, 636 million yuan came from share-based awards, while his salary and benefits totaled 2.7 million yuan, according to the annual ranking compiled by Webb-site.
