What?
XPeng is set to launch its new brand, Mona, focusing on producing electric cars targeting ride-hailing services like Didi in China. The first car from Mona has been spotted during testing, revealing key design features like prominent T-shaped light clusters, a unique front grille, concealed door handles, and a floating roof design. The interior of the car features a large central infotainment unit, raising questions about the functionality of a small instrument screen near the steering column. Mona represents “Made of new AI” and originated from a strategic partnership with Didi, leveraging R&D from Didi’s Da Vinci project.
Why does it matter?
The launch of Mona’s first car signifies XPeng’s strategic move into the electric ride-sharing market, aiming to boost sales and compete with established players like Xiaomi SU7. With an expected price of around 150,000 yuan (20,800 USD) and an all-electric build, Mona’s F59 model is equipped with BYD’s blade batteries, offering a range of over 500 km. The car incorporates XPeng’s assisted driving technology and electrical architecture for enhanced performance and efficiency. Mona’s unique design elements and collaboration with industry leaders indicate a promising entry into the competitive electric vehicle market.
How is it going to shape the future?
As XPeng expands its product portfolio with Mona, the brand is poised to disrupt the electric vehicle market with innovative features tailored for ride-hailing services. The strategic positioning of Mona as a cost-effective and efficient option for urban transportation reflects the evolving trend towards sustainable mobility solutions. With plans to establish dedicated sales channels and leverage advanced technology like XNGP, Mona’s future success could pave the way for further advancements in electric vehicle design and functionality, setting a new standard for eco-friendly transportation options in the industry.
Source: https://carnewschina.com/2024/05/16/xpengs-mona-first-car-spied-ahead-of-next-month-launch/