China's Li Auto Signs Distribution Deals in UAE and Saudi Arabia for Middle East Expansion
Li Auto, a Beijing-based electric vehicle maker, signed agreements with distributors in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on Saturday to expand its premium SUVs into the Middle East. The company also targets Asia-Pacific markets, expecting overseas deliveries to reach 30 percent of total by 2030. This move positions Li Auto to compete with luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
insidermonkey.comLi Auto signed distribution agreements with Al Fahim Motors in the United Arab Emirates and with Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, marking its push into the Middle East market. The Beijing-based electric vehicle maker, known for its large SUVs that use extended-range battery technology, is targeting the Middle East and Asia-Pacific markets as it builds a sales network abroad.
Li Auto expects overseas deliveries to account for 30 per cent of its total by 2030, according to its president, Ma Donghui.
“It is inevitable that we will compete against BMW, Benz and Audi, which are viewed as luxury marques worldwide,” Ma Donghui said in an interview on Saturday. “Our vehicles have outperformed theirs in terms of performance and user experience, but it takes time to establish brand awareness because overseas consumers haven’t experienced our cars and haven’t yet been convinced of our superiority,” Ma Donghui added in the same interview.
Li Auto announced plans to expand into Asia-Pacific markets in May, forming partnerships with distributors in Cambodia, Laos and Macau.
Li Auto is one of Tesla’s major rivals in mainland China.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-26
Li Auto signed distribution agreements with Al Fahim Motors in the UAE and Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in Saudi Arabia.
1 sourceSouth China Morning Post - 2026-04-26
Ma Donghui, president of Li Auto, gave an interview stating competition with BMW, Benz, and Audi is inevitable and highlighting performance advantages.
1 sourceSouth China Morning Post - 2026-05
Li Auto announced plans to expand into Asia-Pacific markets, forming partnerships with distributors in Cambodia, Laos, and Macau.
1 sourceSouth China Morning Post - Ongoing
Li Auto is building a sales network abroad, targeting Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
1 sourceSouth China Morning Post - By 2030
Li Auto expects overseas deliveries to account for 30 per cent of its total.
1 sourceSouth China Morning Post
Potential Impact
- 01
Increased market share for Li Auto in Middle East and Asia-Pacific, boosting revenue from international sales.
- 02
Contribution to Li Auto's goal of 30% overseas deliveries by 2030, supporting long-term expansion strategy.
- 03
Heightened competition with global luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes in premium EV segment.
- 04
Potential growth in overseas brand awareness for Li Auto through user experience demonstrations.
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