Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) has confirmed plans to enter South Korea and appointed former Volvo Cars Korea executive Lee Man-sik to lead its local business, further expanding its international footprint.

The Chinese EV maker said in a statement on Monday that Lee will become managing director of Xpeng Motors Korea, effective December 1, 2026.

The company has yet to announce a specific launch timeline, its initial model lineup or details of local operations, saying further information will be released later.

Lee has more than 30 years of automotive industry experience. He joined Volvo Cars Korea in 2003, where his responsibilities included brand positioning, product planning, sales and marketing, and dealer network expansion.

In his new role, he will establish Xpeng's business foundation in South Korea, including developing sales and service networks, building strategic partnerships and strengthening the brand's presence.

Lee said in the statement that South Korean consumers have high expectations for automobiles and are open to new technology and innovation. He will focus on building customer trust and delivering a reliable ownership experience.

The South Korea plans come as overseas operations provide growing sales support for Xpeng, helping cushion the Chinese EV maker's decline in year-to-date deliveries.

Xpeng delivered a record 13,326 vehicles overseas in October, up 166% year-on-year. Overseas deliveries accounted for 26.53% of its monthly total, according to CnEVPost calculations.

The company's total deliveries reached 50,237 vehicles in October, up 19.57% year-on-year and 21.77% from September, exceeding 50,000 for the first time.

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