(Yicai) April 28 -- Li Auto aims to become one of the leading pure electric car brands within three years despite its main products being extended-range models, according to the president of the Chinese new energy vehicle startup's product line.

Li Auto's first pure electric sport utility vehicle model, the i8, has begun trial production and will launch in July, while its second model, the i6, will likely be released later in the second half of this year, Liu Jie said in an interview with Yicai at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The i8 is aimed at the family market, and the model may become a new choice for NEV owners looking to buy a new car or upgrade, Liu noted, adding that Li Auto's user positioning will remain unchanged.

Li Auto's NEV product lineup includes the range-extended L series, the pure electric i series, and the Mega series. The L series is its main product, while the Mega series targets the luxury market.

However, the exterior design of Li Auto's first pure electric multi-purpose vehicle, the Li Mega, sparked controversy after its launch in March last year. This led to lackluster sales, which fell short of expectations at 10,798 units as of Dec. 31.

At the Shanghai Auto Show, which runs from April 23 through May 2, Li Auto unveiled several new models, including the Li Mega Home Family Special Edition, the MEGA Ultra Smart Driving Updated Edition, and the L6 Smart Driving Updated Edition.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Martin Kadiev