Anyone who has passed the gateway of Motor Distributors on Kylemore Road will
have, in recent years, seen the additional names of BYD and SMART on its hallowed
walls.
Space must be made now, with the announcement that Motor Distributors Limited
(MDL) has been confirmed as importers and distributors in Ireland of the Chinese-
made ‘XPENG’ range of all-electric passenger cars.
For the Irish motoring community, the appointment will be formally recognised by
the imminent arrival and launch on the Irish market of the mid-sized XPENG G6
SUV model, first in a range of XPENG passenger cars all of which will be marketed
here over time.
MDL chief executive, Paddy Finnegan said: “the XPENG portfolio of models which
we will offer to Irish motorists and their dealers – whom we have yet to fully appoint
– is one that MDL will be proud to represent”.
Paddy continued, “Offering as it does, another excellent example of Chinese all-
electric drive construction and technology, and of its build quality within a high-class
design complete with sleek interior styling attractive to the eyes of European
motorist, the current XPENG range – plus those many models yet to be developed –
will constitute an exciting choice of options for buyers and dealers seeking something
new and climate-friendly in the field of personal transportation.”
In response, XPENG Vice Chairman and President, Dr. Brian Gu said: “Our
partnership with Motor Distributors Limited marks an important step in XPENG's
global expansion. We are excited to introduce Irish consumers to a new standard in
electric mobility, combining innovative technology with exceptional design to deliver
an unparalleled experience that meets the demands of today's drivers. With a vision
for AI-defined mobility, we aim to revolutionise the driving experience in Ireland,
making it safer, smarter, more sustainable and more pleasant in the near future.”
A spokesperson for Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) said: “An immediate task
being undertaken by MDL is to expand its dealer network sufficient to ensure that
effective representation and competition exists between all of the brands the
Company now represents, and to that end, the Company will have conversations with
dealers with whom it has worked with in the past and others that would be new to
the organisation”.
XPENG Model Range
Four models front the XPENG range:
G6 coupe SUV
G9 flagship SUV
P7 sedan
P7+ Fastback Sedan, whose embodiment of AI technology is a key feature.
Of these, the first to launch in Ireland will be the G6 version, with the potential for
other RHD models to be considered for the market.
XPENG – a little background
Founded in 2014, XPENG is a leading Chinese AI-driven mobility company that
designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs, catering to a growing base
of tech-savvy consumers. With the rapid advancement of AI, XPENG aspires to
become a global leader in AI mobility, with a mission to drive the Smart EV
revolution through cutting-edge technology, shaping the future of mobility.
To enhance the customer experience, XPENG develops its full-stack advanced driver-
assistance system (ADAS) technology and intelligent in-car operating system in-
house, along with core vehicle systems such as the powertrain and
electrical/electronic architecture (EEA). Headquartered in Guangzhou, China,
XPENG also operates key offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, and
Amsterdam. Its Smart EVs are primarily manufactured at its facilities in Zhaoqing
and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. XPENG is listed at the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE: XPEV) and Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX: 9868). For more
information, please visit www.xpeng.com