Xpeng CEO keynotes Paris Automotive Summit, opens tech to partners

XPeng Inc. (NYSE: XPEV) Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng delivered a keynote at the Paris Automotive Summit on Oct. 14, 2026, becoming, according to the company, the first Chinese automotive CEO to do so in the event's history.

Speaking to industry leaders in Paris, He introduced what the company calls "XPENG AI Engineering," a strategy under which Xpeng says it will open its full technology stack and engineering resources to global partners. The offering spans vehicle platforms, electrical and electronic architecture, batteries, e-drives, and components including the AI BOX, Turing AI chip, and Turing physical world foundation model.

He cited Xpeng's existing collaboration with Volkswagen Group as an example of the model, combining Xpeng's intelligent-driving and software capabilities with Volkswagen's vehicle engineering and testing expertise.

Xpeng reported approximately €770 million in research and development spending in the first half of 2026.

The company outlined plans to expand its NGP intelligent driving system to global markets in 2027. It also set production and delivery targets for its humanoid robot, IRON, with mass production planned for late 2026, initial deliveries in the first half of 2027, and a European rollout in the second half of 2027.

On its European presence, Xpeng said it has brought four vehicle models into production in Europe within one year — the G6, G9, P7+, and G9L — and operates a European research and development center focused on local certification, software localization, and charging integration.

"Partnership starts with trust, and after trust comes openness," He said. "We welcome global partners to work with us, learn from each other and bring our strengths together."

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