Mainland carmakers eye global reach via Hong Kong

Carmakers from the Chinese mainland are showcasing their latest models and ambitions at the 2025 International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo in Hong Kong, looking to deepen their engagement with international markets via the city.

On the event's opening day on Thursday, Qiu Xiandong, chairman of China FAW Group, called Hong Kong a vital node in China's "dual circulation" strategy.

"Hong Kong, backed by the motherland and connected to the world, is an important window for high-level opening-up," he said.

"As a central State-owned enterprise, FAW will participate in the development of the Greater Bay Area, integrate with Hong Kong, serve Hong Kong, and contribute to Hong Kong."

Qiu said FAW would support its subsidiaries in pursuing listings in the city, and build a joint platform for NEV core technology R&D and commercialization — all aimed at supporting Hong Kong's vision as an international innovation and technology center.

Startup XPeng Motors made a splash at the expo with the premiere of its "super AI vehicle" G7, just one day after its global debut.

The G7 is showcased as part of XPeng's "AI Tech Fleet", which includes its IRON robot and flying vehicle, drawing the attention of Hong Kong officials and business leaders.

XPeng Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng emphasized the city's strategic importance: "Hong Kong is a core fulcrum in our globalization strategy and the first right-hand-drive AI driving validation site."

Over the past year, XPeng has opened its flagship showroom in the city, launched its first supercharging network outside the Chinese mainland, and became the first automaker to secure approval for remote valet parking in Hong Kong.

With its flagship MPV model X9 now being delivered, the company aims to top the local electric MPV sales charts in June.

Chery Chairman Yin Tongyue, speaking at the expo, announced that the company had filed for a Hong Kong listing in February and views the city as a new launchpad for global expansion.

"Hong Kong will be Chery's global financial center, logistics hub, capital highland, innovation base, and talent magnet," Yin said.

He added that Chery hopes to develop manufacturing capabilities in Hong Kong and turn it into a global production center.

Leapmotor marked its formal market entry on Wednesday, one day prior to the expo, with the opening of its first Hong Kong store — also the brand's 1,500th globally.

CEO Zhu Jiangming said while annual vehicle sales in the city are relatively modest at 40,000–50,000 units, Hong Kong plays a vital role in helping global capital understand Leapmotor.

Hong Kong's NEV sector is expanding rapidly. According to the city's Transport Department, 75.3 percent of new private car registrations in the first half of 2024 — or 20,052 out of 26,632 — were electric.

In the first quarter of 2025, the total number of newly registered vehicles reached 9,940, with Chinese mainland NEV brands dominating the MPV segment — accounting for five of the top ten models sold.

Many others have already established a presence in Hong Kong, including BYD and its Denza, SAIC's MG and Maxus, as well as GAC's Aion and Geely's Zeekr.

On June 9, Zeekr announced the launch of its Hong Kong charging map, following a strategic partnership with Easy Charge — the city's largest public charging network platform.

The integration adds over 2,300 charging points across 170 locations, including Central, Link REIT malls, and government car parks.

Zeekr says the collaboration enables more than 1,500 charging sessions per day and significantly improves local EV infrastructure.