Li Auto, the ambitious Chinese NEV automaker, has officially opened its first overseas retail center in Uzbekistan, marking its grand entrance into the global market. While the initial focus is on Central Asia, with Kazakhstan next on the list, Li Auto has its sights set on the Middle East and European markets in the near future.\n\n
Accelerated Global Expansion
\n\nInterestingly, Li Auto\’s plunge into international waters comes sooner than its original 2028 timeline. The strong domestic competition and a dip in sales during Q3 2025, compared to 2023, seem to have fueled this accelerated global push. It\’s a clear signal that the brand is ready to take on new challenges and seize opportunities beyond its home turf.\n\n
A New Approach to Sales and Service
\n\nFor years, \\ Li Auto vehicles found their way to Central Asia through unofficial third-party channels. But that\’s all changing now. On October 13, Li Auto officially inaugurated its retail center in Tashkent, Uzbekistan\’s capital. Unlike its direct sales model in China, the company will leverage dealer partnerships internationally. Control Auto is their chosen partner in Uzbekistan, ensuring a reliable sales and service network.\n\nThis new, authorized approach means customers who buy through these official channels will get full access to warranties, inspections, repairs, spare parts, technical support, and critical OTA updates. However, those who previously purchased through alternative channels won\’t be eligible for these authorized services. It\’s a crucial distinction for the burgeoning international customer base.\n\n
Initial Offerings and Future Vision
\n\nLi Auto\’s initial overseas lineup includes three popular crossovers: the L6, L7, and L9. Wu Zuomin, Head of International Business for Li Auto, expressed strong confidence in the Central Asian market, viewing it as a region with immense potential for the brand\’s global expansion. The company is set to launch in Kazakhstan in November 2025, partnering with two appointed dealers, Allur and Doscar.\n\nLooking ahead, Li Auto is not just about sales; they\’re committed to localization. With R&D centers already established in Germany and the United States, the automaker plans to adapt its new models to meet specific regulatory requirements of various overseas markets by 2026. This move shows a dedication to genuinely integrating into new markets, not just exporting cars. This is a common strategy among Chinese automakers as they expand globally, much like the advancements seen in a variety of Chinese brands. For example, advancements in battery technology, like those by CATL\’s factory-in-factory revolution, underscore the innovative spirit that Li Auto is bringing to its international ventures.\n\nAs Li Auto steps onto the global stage, its strategy of adapting to local markets, establishing strong dealer networks, and investing in R&D abroad positions it as a serious contender in the international EV landscape. The journey has just begun, but the road ahead looks exciting for this ambitious Chinese automaker. It\’s an interesting parallel to how other Chinese brands are making waves, such as Nio\’s Firefly EV going global or BYD\’s luxury brand Yangwang entering Europe. The international push by Chinese automakers is a strong trend, highlighted by the fact that China\’s EV exports surged by 19% in early 2025, demonstrating the strong global demand for their vehicles. This expansion isn\’t just about sales, it\’s also about technological exchange and development. For instance, the partnership between Volkswagen and Xpeng for autonomous driving technology for 2026 China EVs further illustrates how deeply integrated Chinese innovation is becoming within the global automotive industry.
