(Yicai) Oct. 16 -- Chinese automakers need to continue humbly learning from global competitors, not only from the past two to three decades but also over the next 20 to 30 years, to become better, according to the founder of Chinese new energy vehicle startup Xpeng Motors.

"Only through this ongoing learning process can Chinese carmakers hope to improve," He Xiaopeng told Yicai at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, held from Oct. 14 to 20. For a firm to be strong globally, it must be long-term oriented and achieve mutually beneficial alliances with local companies, he added.

The tremendous success achieved by Chinese carmakers over the past five years has been primarily within the unique domestic market, not globally, He noted, adding that this success is not comprehensive.

"We came to Europe expecting to develop alongside local firms," He pointed out. "We need to learn from local automakers, such as Volkswagen Group and Renault Group, because they have many admirable qualities," he added.

Xpeng has a global approach to product design and tech development, He said. "Our autonomous driving technology was planned from a global market perspective from the outset, resulting in light map, light radar, high computing power, and other features."

Xpeng has been designing many models with future global market adaptability in mind over the past two years, He pointed out.

Xpeng focuses on manufacturing high-level intelligent artificial intelligent vehicles, He noted. "Advanced smart driving will be a standard feature in our future products, without needing Pro or Max editions or a paid subscription to get new technologies." 

Guangzhou-based Xpeng plans to include advanced intelligent driving technology as standard even in its mass-produced vehicles priced around CNY150,000 (USD21,080) next year, He added.

Regarding the potential European Union tariffs on cars imported from China, no company is willing to accept high tariffs, He said, adding that Xpeng hopes for stability, as it is most concerned about constantly changing policies.

In addition, there are different internal opinions regarding Xpeng's manufacturing strategy for the European market, He said. "If there are good choices, I would prefer contract manufacturing, but the decision is up to the firm's president."