Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, XPeng is on a mission to significantly expand their team. According to CNBC, they intend to hire 4,000 new employees and invest a whopping $486.2 million (or 3.5 billion Chinese yuan) in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The CEO, He Xiaopeng, cautioned about the fierce rivalry in the EV market, which he warned could result in a "bloodbath."
XPeng EV Cars Competition
In a communication to the company's staff reviewed by CNBC, He Xiaopeng outlined XPeng's ambitious agenda. The substantial investment in AI technology will primarily focus on enhancing "intelligent driving" capabilities. Notably through the advancement of the Xpilot driver assistance system, which enables semi-autonomous functions in Xpeng vehicles.
Over the next three years, XPeng plans to introduce approximately 30 new or upgraded car models, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and product development. The EV maker company also aims to enter new price segments. Targeting both the high-end and more affordable market sectors.
XPeng's EV Prominence
Despite facing challenges and a competitive landscape intensified by the presence of industry giants like Tesla, He Xiaopeng expressed optimism about XPeng's future prospects. He acknowledged the competitive pressures, characterizing the current phase as a potential "bloodbath" in the Chinese auto industry but remained confident in Xpeng's ability to navigate through it.
"XPeng has engaged in this cutthroat competition right from the outset, thus accumulating considerable experience. Our guts, grit and perseverance, I firmly believe, will lead us to victory."
He emphasized the company's resilience and determination, highlighting its readiness to confront the fierce competition head-on. Despite the tough market conditions and economic uncertainties in China, XPeng believes it has "bottomed out" and is poised to distinguish itself from its competitors.
For EV companies like XPeng, there are formidable challenges ahead that cannot be predicted or be planned in advance. To counter this, Xiaopeng instilled confidence in XPeng's workforce-hence their investment in more people and help from AI.
All to underscore their collective resolve and perseverance to succeed in the competitive automotive landscape.
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