XPeng Inc. (NYSE: XPEV) Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng emphasized the importance of treating domestic and overseas markets with equal strategic priority during his speech at the 2025 China Entrepreneurs Influence Summit. He stated that globalization shouldn't be pursued sequentially after domestic success, but rather concurrently.
He observed a new trend among startups focusing overwhelmingly (95%) on overseas markets, representing a fresh approach to entrepreneurship and globalization. However, he cautioned that automotive and aviation industries face particularly high barriers to globalization, requiring long-term commitment. "This is a 40-year journey," He noted, advocating for learning from Toyota and Hyundai's gradual localization strategies rather than pursuing internet-style rapid expansion.
He specifically praised BYD Co., Ltd. (OTC: BYDDY) and Chery Automobile as exemplary models for successful globalization strategies, suggesting their approaches warrant careful study. The executive's remarks highlighted the auto industry's evolving globalization playbook, where simultaneous domestic and international development is becoming critical for sustainable growth.
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