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With almost 25,000 orders in 12 hours, the GX hybrid SUV exposed XPeng’s main challenge in China: turning a strong commercial start into quick deliveries, while suppliers, automated lines, and more sought-after versions pressure the brand’s industrial capacity.
XPeng received 24,863 orders in 12 hours after opening sales of the GX, a hybrid SUV that became a phenomenon in China and forced the manufacturer to reorganize production to try to reduce queues that reach 35 weeks.
GX Demand Exceeds XPeng’s Industrial Capacity
The GX was introduced in February but only started selling a few weeks ago. The initial market reaction exceeded the brand’s most optimistic forecasts and pressured the assembly lines.
The model attracted attention for its balance between price, equipment, and range. The starting price is 269,800 yuan, about €34,450 by the conversion cited in the base material, positioning the SUV among the manufacturer’s competitive bets.
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The demand, however, concentrated on the more complete configurations. He Xiaopeng, president and CEO of XPeng, acknowledged that the timelines increased due to two factors: the mass choice of the top-of-the-line version and the need to validate processes before promising deliveries.
Ultra Version Concentrates 80% of Reservations
The Ultra version, equipped with a hybrid system of 1,585 kilometers in the CLTC cycle, accounts for 80% of the reservations. This preference shifted demand to specific components, increasing bottlenecks in assembly and the supply chain.
As a result, some buyers will have to wait up to 35 weeks to receive the vehicle. In a market accustomed to quick responses, this interval has become a significant commercial problem for the brand.
To alleviate the queue, XPeng began advising some consumers to consider less equipped and cheaper versions. The recommendation cited for families who want the car more quickly is the Ultra SE, the second most expensive among four options.
This configuration has an estimated lead time of 7 to 10 weeks and is considered relatively high in availability. In practice, the company began offering a lower-priced and equipped alternative to try to unlock deliveries.
Suppliers Join the Mobilization
The manufacturer has initiated an internal mobilization in the factories to accelerate the production of the GX. Engineering teams are working with suppliers to expand the assembly of powertrain units, battery modules, and chassis components that limit the industrial pace.
Senior management also sent urgent messages to key suppliers of mechanical parts and batteries. Executives have started monitoring adjustments in automated lines and shift organization to reduce delivery times.
The performance of the GX is important to sustain the recent evolution of the brand. In May, XPeng delivered 10,146 new energy vehicles worldwide, an increase of 30% compared to the same month of the previous year.
The new SUV could become a pillar of this volume, but the result will depend on the ability to optimize stamping, welding, and final assembly. The challenge now is to turn record demand into real deliveries without compromising the buyer’s experience.
Would you wait up to 35 weeks for a high-autonomy hybrid SUV or choose a less equipped version to receive the car sooner? Leave your opinion in the comments and tell us if XPeng’s strategy makes sense in a competitive market.
