Li Auto, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol LI, has embarked on delivering its highly anticipated Li i8 electric SUV. Despite facing some challenges during its launch, the company has now initiated deliveries of the six-seat all-electric SUV in 44 cities across China.
The first batch of Li i8 deliveries took place on August 20, with Li Auto sharing photos from various delivery sites on its official Weibo account. The company has set ambitious targets for the Li i8, aiming to deliver over 8,000 units by the end of September. Analysts speculate that Li Auto has already secured more than 12,000 cancellable orders for the Li i8, indicating strong demand for the all-electric SUV.
In a bid to meet the high delivery targets, Li Auto has announced plans to collaborate closely with its supply chain partners to ensure the successful delivery of up to 10,000 Li i8 units by the end of September. This aggressive sales target has surpassed the expectations of analysts, with Deutsche Bank estimating a monthly sales volume of 5,000 units for the SUV.
The Li i8 was officially launched on July 29 as Li Auto’s second battery electric vehicle (BEV) model following the Li Mega MPV. After encountering initial acceptance issues, the company made strategic adjustments, including reducing the available trims to one and lowering the price to enhance market competitiveness. The Li i8 is now priced at RMB 339,800 ($47,330), positioning it as a premium offering in the electric SUV segment.
Looking ahead, Li Auto is gearing up to introduce the Li i6, a smaller electric SUV with a more affordable price point compared to the Li i8. Analysts anticipate that the Li i6 could achieve an average monthly sales volume of approximately 15,000 units, significantly contributing to Li Auto’s overall sales performance and potentially boosting its stock price.
With the electric vehicle market in China witnessing intense competition and evolving consumer preferences, Li Auto remains committed to innovation and customer-centric strategies. By setting ambitious delivery targets and introducing a diverse portfolio of electric vehicles, the company aims to solidify its position as a key player in the rapidly growing EV industry.
As Li Auto continues to expand its product lineup and enhance its delivery capabilities, investors and industry observers are closely monitoring the company’s performance and market dynamics. Stay tuned for more updates on Li Auto’s latest developments and achievements in the electric vehicle sector.