Xpeng, another giant Chinese brand that few will have heard of on these shores, has already announced plans for flying cars and cars using artificial intelligence. Don’t get too excited yet, the only Xpeng model confirmed for the Irish car market so far is a fairly conventional G6 SUV.

Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), a long-standing importer of Mercedes-Benz cars and commercial vehicles into Ireland (and more recently also the Smart and BYD brands), has announced that it will begin importing Xpeng’s cars here.

The first Xpeng model to reach these shores will be the G6 SUV. It is a Tesla Model Y-sized car with a choice of lithium-iron phosphate or lithium-ion batteries and has a range of between 435 km and 570 km, depending on the model you choose.

Arguably just as important is that Xpeng’s G6 charges extremely quickly, as it uses a Porsche-style 800-volt charging system to breathe in between 200kW and 280kW of DC fast charging power, again depending on the model you choose.

The G6 is part of the rapidly expanding range of Xpeng (pronounced Shao-Peng) models, which includes two sedans (the compact P5 and the larger P7), a large MPV (X9) and both larger and smaller SUVs. MDL is yet to confirm what other Xpeng models have been earmarked for Ireland – although it specifically mentioned the P7 sedan – but has said right-hand drive production of all Xpeng cars is being considered.

Pricing needs to be sharp. In most European markets where Xpeng already reaches, the G6 is generally priced several thousand Euros cheaper than the equivalent Tesla Model Y. Of course, the implementation of the EU’s new Chinese electric car tariffs could well wreak havoc on that Apple Cart. .

Xpeng’s tariff rate can be as high as 45 percent (plus the usual 10 percent EU import tariff), and Brian Gu, the company’s vice president and co-chairman, recently told CNBC that such tariffs put huge pressure on either has a long-term focus” and aims to “find every possible way to appeal and make ourselves competitive.”

This could include a production facility in Europe, but there has been some thaw in relations between the EU and China in recent weeks, with talk of finding a way forward to reach peace in the mini-trade war over electric cars.

MDL managing director Paddy Finnegan said: “The Xpeng model portfolio we will be offering to Irish motorists and their dealers, who we have not yet fully appointed, is one that MDL will be proud to represent.

“Another excellent example of China’s all-electric drive structure and technology and build quality with a high-class design complemented by stylish interior design that appeals to European drivers, the current Xpeng range offers. “The many models yet to be developed will create an exciting choice of options for buyers and dealers looking for something new and climate-friendly in personal transportation.”

Brian Gu, vice president and president of Xpeng, said: “Our partnership with Motor Distributors Limited marks an important step in Xpeng’s global expansion. We are excited to introduce Irish consumers to a new standard in electric mobility by combining innovative technology with exceptional design to deliver a unique experience that meets the demands of today’s drivers. “With our vision of AI-defined mobility, we aim to revolutionize the driving experience in Ireland, making it safer, smarter, more sustainable and more enjoyable in the near future.”

MDL has not yet confirmed which of its existing franchisees will sell Xpeng in Ireland. Frankly, there may be competition issues with BYD and it seems likely that new dealers will be hired from outside the existing family.

So far, MDL has officially said: “The immediate task undertaken by MDL is to expand its dealer network sufficiently to ensure that effective representation and competition exists between all the brands currently represented by the Company, and to this end the Company will cooperate with dealers with whom it has worked in the past and with other new entrants to the organisation.” Have conversations with people.”

Don’t expect flying cars just yet, although Xpeng says it has already started construction of a new factory where it plans to produce two-element flying cars. But this isn’t a winged car – Xpeng’s design consists of a large three-axle van-like vehicle into which quad-rotor drone/helicopter hybrid mounts are placed, and into which the airborne piece can take off and land. using automatic flight controls. Planned annual production is set at 10,000 units, and Xpeng is said to have already received orders for 3,000.

What about artificial intelligence? Xpeng chief executive He Xiaopeng has previously said he sees cars without built-in artificial intelligence and a strong autonomous driving element as potentially difficult to sell as soon as 2025.

The new G6 SUV doesn’t actually have any of these and it can’t fly, but it will go on sale in Ireland in 2025.