• All new models planned for launch by Li Auto in 2026 will be compliant with overseas market regulations.
• In November, Li Auto will also open retail centers in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, and the capital Astana.

Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI) has opened its first overseas retail center in Uzbekistan, formally entering the Central Asian market and marking a new phase in the Chinese automaker's overseas expansion.

The company's inaugural authorized overseas retail center opened in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital, primarily selling three extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models -- the Li L9, Li L7, and Li L6 -- to the local market.

All of Li Auto's EREV models are SUVs (sport utility vehicles), which also include the Li L8.

The company also offers three battery electric vehicle (BEV) models in China: the Li Mega MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), Li i6 SUV, and Li i8 SUV.

Unlike its direct sales model in the domestic Chinese market, Li Auto currently employs an authorized dealer model for overseas sales, the company said today.

In November, Li Auto will also open retail centers in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, and the capital Astana, it said.

Li Auto will provide official warranties for overseas customers purchasing vehicles through authorized retail centers, along with official services including inspection and maintenance, genuine parts delivery, technical support, and OTA updates.

The company plans for all new models to be launched in 2026 to comply with overseas market regulations. It has already established R&D centers in Germany and the United States.

Li Auto is among the later entrants among China's EV startups to expand into overseas markets. Its domestic peers Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) and Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) began exploring overseas markets several years ago.

Li Auto's founder, chairman, and CEO Li Xiang said in July 2023 that the company would not enter overseas markets before 2025.

However, in recent years, some of the company's vehicles have been exported overseas through private channels, particularly to Central Asia.

On July 3, 2024, local media outlet Chengdu Economic Daily reported that Li Auto had commenced trial operations of its first overseas direct after-sales service center in Almaty, Kazakhstan, at the end of June, with planned for a formal opening in July.

Li Auto subsequently confirmed this information, noting that the company's vehicle ownership in Kazakhstan had already exceeded 1,000 units at that time, creating significant demand for after-sales services.

In the second half of this year, Li Auto signed cooperation agreements with Uzbekistan-based dealer Control Auto and Kazakhstan-based dealers Allur and Doscar, the company announced today.

These three dealer partners hold significant influence in luxury vehicle sales and service. Their established channel networks, localized operational expertise, and comprehensive after-sales systems will substantially advance Li Auto's service network development in Central Asia, the company said.

The entry into Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan demonstrates Li Auto's commitment not only to selling vehicles but also to building lasting relationships with overseas customers, said Wu Zuomin, head of the company's international business.