Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
XPENG appoints South Korea chief as it prepares market entry
XPENG is preparing to enter South Korea's car market and has appointed a leader for its local business.
Lee Man-sik, a former senior executive at Volvo Cars Korea, will become head of XPENG Motors Korea on Dec.
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Chinese rivals BYD and Zeekr have already begun selling cars in South Korea, while Chery and Great Wall are also preparing to enter.
XPENG says it uses artificial intelligence, driver-assistance systems, software and electric vehicle technology as it expands internationally.
Its overseas deliveries rose 81% year on year in the second quarter, exceeding 20,000 vehicles for the first time, and overseas sales made up more than a quarter of its revenue in the first half.
The appointment signals a further push by Chinese carmakers into South Korea, where competition from new brands is increasing.
XPENG has appointed Lee Man-sik as head of its South Korean subsidiary as it prepares to enter the market.
Lee is due to take up the role on December 1, the company said on November 3.
He previously worked at Volvo Car Korea, where he spent 23 years, according to Yonhap.
Lee said he would work to build XPENG into a trusted and well-liked premium smart mobility brand in South Korea.
- Who
- XPENG and its South Korean subsidiary, Xpeng Motors Korea, appointed Lee Man-sik as the subsidiary’s head.
- What
- The appointment is part of XPENG’s preparations to enter the South Korean market.
- When
- Announced on November 3, 2026; Lee is due to start on December 1.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- XPENG is preparing to enter the South Korean market. The sources do not state a more specific reason for choosing Lee.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lee joined Volvo Car Korea, where he played a key role in brand marketing, Hankyung reported.
XPENG announced Lee’s appointment as head of its South Korean subsidiary.
Lee is due to take up the role.
- Incoming head
- Lee Man-sik
- South Korean subsidiary
- Xpeng Motors Korea
- Announcement date
- November 3, 2026
- Expected start date
- December 1, 2026
- Previous employer
- Volvo Car Korea; Lee worked there for 23 years, Yonhap reported.
3 sources
What people are saying
XPENG is a brand that presents new possibilities for the auto industry through innovative artificial intelligence technology and a vision for future mobility
I will do my best to help it grow into a trusted and well-loved premium smart mobility brand in the Korean market