Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Li Auto has established its international headquarters in Hong Kong, marking a key step in its global expansion strategy as competition intensifies in the domestic market.
According to InvestHK, the Hong Kong government’s investment promotion agency, the new base will oversee the Beijing-based company’s research and development (R&D), intellectual property management, and international supply chain operations.
The move positions Hong Kong as a pivotal hub for Li Auto’s next phase of international growth.
Li Auto, one of the few profitable EV makers in mainland China, joins several Chinese carmakers leveraging Hong Kong’s strategic and financial advantages to scale globally.
Industry leaders such as BYD, Zeekr, and BeyonCa have also strengthened their presence in the city, underscoring its growing importance as a gateway for mainland companies eyeing overseas markets.
InvestHK noted that Li Auto is planning to expand its local team and enhance its operations in Hong Kong before accelerating its global business development.
“This is a strong testament to Hong Kong’s dual advantages as an international innovation and technology hub and a leading global financial center,” said Loretta Lee, InvestHK’s associate director general of investment promotion.
She added that the city’s scientific talent, vibrant capital markets, and internationally aligned legal system make it an ideal platform for Chinese innovation-driven firms to expand globally.
Chinese EV manufacturers have been intensifying overseas expansion amid domestic challenges, including overcapacity and price competition. Leveraging strong design and manufacturing capabilities, they are seeking to compete with global giants such as Volkswagen and Toyota.
Li Auto, often compared with Tesla in China, delivered 33,951 vehicles in September, marking a 36.8% year-on-year decline and its fourth consecutive month of decreased deliveries.
Despite the slowdown, the company continues to push forward internationally. Earlier this week, Li Auto opened its first overseas retail outlet in Uzbekistan.
“Hong Kong provides us with unparalleled resources and a platform to help Li Auto achieve greater breakthroughs on the global stage,” said Wang Teenqi, the company’s financial compliance manager.
He cited the city’s focus on developing an artificial intelligence ecosystem and its favorable government policies as key reasons for choosing Hong Kong.
Industry analysts say the move will enhance Li Auto’s access to capital, research partnerships, and international talent.
“Li Auto mainly sells its cars on the mainland, and it has to quicken its go-global pace to pursue a new growth engine,” said Chen Jinzhu, CEO of Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service.
Hong Kong has become an increasingly popular fundraising destination for Chinese EV and component manufacturers. Following Contemporary Amperex Technology’s (CATL) record-breaking $5.3 billion IPO in May, the world’s largest this year, several other Chinese automotive firms have followed suit.
Chery Automobile, Hesai Group, and Seres, the EV partner of Huawei Technologies, have all turned to Hong Kong’s capital markets to support their global expansion and strengthen their technology and charging networks.
Li Auto’s establishment of its Hong Kong headquarters marks not only a strategic milestone for the company but also reinforces Hong Kong’s emerging role as a launchpad for China’s next wave of global EV growth.
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