XPENG names Lee Man-sik Korea chief ahead of South Korean market entry
XPENG has appointed Lee Man-sik, a 30-year automotive industry veteran, as Managing Director of XPENG Motors Korea, effective December 1, 2026. The move confirms the company's plan to enter the South Korean market, though launch timing has not been disclosed.
- XPENG appointed Lee Man-sik as Managing Director of XPENG Motors Korea, effective December 1, 2026.
- Lee has 30 years in the auto industry and joined Volvo Cars Korea in 2003.
- Launch timing and local operations in South Korea will be announced later.
- XPENG delivered 50,237 vehicles worldwide in October 2026, including 13,326 overseas units.
- The company operates in 83 countries and regions with more than 1,200 stores.
A Volvo veteran to lead the Korean business
XPeng Inc. (NYSE: XPEV; HKEX: 9868), which describes itself as a leading global Physical AI company, announced the appointment from Seoul. According to the company, Lee brings more than three decades of automotive experience. He began his career in engineering and went on to build expertise in sales, marketing, product strategy, brand communications, dealer network development and customer service.
Lee joined Volvo Cars Korea in 2003. XPENG says he played a pivotal role in establishing Volvo as a leading premium import brand in South Korea, and that he led the development and execution of the brand's mid- to long-term growth strategy. His responsibilities there spanned brand positioning, product planning, sales and marketing, nationwide dealer expansion and customer experience.
What the role involves
In his new position, Lee will lead XPENG's efforts to establish its business foundation in South Korea. According to the company, his remit includes:
- developing sales and service networks
- building strategic partnerships
- strengthening XPENG's brand presence in the market
XPENG says details on launch timing and local business operations will be announced at a later date.
Lee said that "sustainable growth for a premium brand rests not only on outstanding products but on trust built with customers," according to the XPENG press release. He added that Korean customers hold exceptionally high expectations for automobiles and are remarkably open to new technology and innovation. His stated goal is to build a brand customers can choose with confidence.
Record deliveries and a growing international footprint
XPENG presented the Korean entry as part of a broader push abroad. In October 2026, the company delivered 50,237 vehicles worldwide, up 22% from September and 20% from a year earlier, which it describes as a new monthly record. Overseas deliveries reached 13,326 units, a 166% increase year on year, also a record.
The company says it now operates across 83 countries and regions, supported by eight R&D centers, six manufacturing bases and more than 1,200 stores worldwide. At the 2026 Paris Motor Show in October, XPENG launched its next-gen AI flagship SUV, the G9L, for the European market and showed its latest intelligent driving technologies.
What it means for Korean buyers
For now, the announcement is a leadership appointment rather than a product launch. The source gives no models, prices or dates for South Korea. XPENG says it aims to bring the same differentiated technology and customer experience to the country, with further details to be shared in due course.
The choice of a manager with deep premium-import experience suggests the company is focusing first on building sales and service networks and brand presence, tasks the release assigns directly to Lee.
