XPeng is set to take the lead on selling its cars in Australia, with full factory backing – but it appears it will coexist with third-party distributor TrueEV, which has taken the Chinese marque to court.
XPeng will formally set up shop in Australia to import and sell its electric vehicles with full factory backing, through an "entirely new" network of in-house dealerships.
However, it appears XPeng's current independent distributor, TrueEV, will not be replaced completely – at least initially – and will continue to sell the Chinese manufacturer's vehicles through its own showrooms.
It means customers may soon be able to purchase an XPeng from one of the brand's official dealers, or through a showroom operated by TrueEV, not directly related to XPeng head office in China.
Details such as when sales of factory-backed XPengs will begin, if some models will be exclusive to official channels, and if models will be sold at different prices are yet to be revealed.
A media release issued by XPeng today has announced the "formal commencement of ... operations through XPeng Motors Australia Pty Ltd", and the creation of "authorised premium dealer networks, customer support infrastructure, and factory-backed logistics".
Critically, the bulletin does not refer to the establishment of factory-backed operations as a transition or changeover, but rather as an entirely new operation.
"XPeng Australia will open with dedicated XPeng customer support, servicing, and aftersales operations, all brought to life through a network of experienced Australian dealer partners," the brand said.
It said "recruitment activity" is currently underway for an "entirely new dealer network", spanning showrooms in major cities in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
It refers to its newfound presence in Australia as "day one", and that it is building "customer support infrastructure" in preparation for "XPeng Australia['s] launch".
The wording points to the coexistence of XPeng head office and TrueEV in Australia, amid what has proven to be a messy split between the Chinese giant and its importer.
TrueEV launched XPeng in late 2024 with the G6 mid-size SUV, ahead of the launch of more models in 2025.
These promises were pushed back into 2026 – announcing late last year it would open orders for an updated G6 by the end of March – with no new vehicles in sight, and plans for new showrooms appearing to slow down.
Owners of current XPeng vehicles have voiced concerns on social media over parts supply, and the importer not yet honouring cashback incentives offered in recent months to clear stock.
Last month, TrueEV filed legal action in the Federal Court of Australia against XPeng, though the reason for the court dispute has not been made public.
Weeks later, it appointed an external receiver to manage the sale of 197 older-model vehicles in its stock at multiple sites around the country, denying reports it had entered full administration.
TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke told Drive last year that XPeng "want[s] to do more in Australia", across marketing, aftersales and showroom "reach", following comments from XPeng head-office executives that the brand was considering "business model adjustments".
XPeng has not confirmed speculation that its factory-backed operations in Australia will run alongside TrueEV, nor has either firm commented on its relationship with the other.
Drive has contacted both companies for more information.
The executives leading the launch of factory-backed XPeng sales recently introduced the brand to New Zealand as a head office-led operation.
In its media release, XPeng Australia said it has "chosen to evolve our market presence into a direct factory-backed model.
"This direction allows XPeng ANZ to take full responsibility for fostering and building an entirely new dealer network that is perfectly aligned with the future of intelligent mobility."
It added: "We acknowledge the shifts in the current landscape and remain deeply committed to the long-term stability and continuity of the Australian market."
The Chinese giant said it will begin establishing factory-backed XPeng dealers "effective immediately".
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
