XPENG to launch five right-hand-drive models in UK, eyes robotaxis and humanoids

Robotics and Automation News reported on November 12, 2026, that XPENG had outlined plans to expand its UK business. At its first UK brand day, the company said it plans to launch five right-hand-drive models over the next 12 months, starting with the L03 and G9L. The article also identified robotaxis and humanoids as areas for potential UK expansion.

XPENG's plans pair the launch of five right-hand-drive models for the UK with efforts to strengthen its nationwide retail and service network, indicating a strategy to expand not only its lineup but also its customer support after sales. Specific conditions for introducing robotaxis or humanoids in the UK have not been confirmed, so they cannot be considered to be at the same stage of execution as the vehicle business.

The main concrete measures identified for the UK are plans to launch five right-hand-drive models over the next 12 months and expand the retail and service network. Plans that include robotaxis and humanoids point to a business vision extending beyond vehicle sales, but the article excerpt provided does not specify when they would be introduced in the UK, how they would operate or which areas they would serve. The vehicle launch plan and the physical AI-related concepts should therefore be viewed as initiatives at different stages of execution. We previously reported on “XPENG to begin selling humanoid robot Iron in second half of 2027”, which covered Iron's sales timing, mass production and plans for internal testing. “XPENG humanoid IRON completes build by walking off automated line; mass production target is end of 2026” also distinguishes a robot's completion on the production line from sustained mass production and real-world operation. As with those reports on robot development and production, XPENG's UK strategy should be assessed by distinguishing the presentation of plans from their implementation in the market. However, this report does not confirm that a plan to sell or operate Iron in the UK has been announced. The business structure suggests that right-hand-drive models will serve as the entry point, the nationwide sales and service network will connect the company with users, and next-generation intelligent driving technology will add to vehicle features. If XPENG also brings robotaxis or humanoids to the UK, they would likely require operational and maintenance systems separate from the vehicle sales network, but the article excerpt does not explain any such plans. Points to watch include the launch timing of each of the five models, the specific scale of the service network, the terms for providing intelligent driving technology, and plans to deploy robotaxis and humanoids in the UK. See the original report for details.