{
  "id": 13090494,
  "title": "China’s Xpeng targets overseas robotaxi trials next year, wider rollout in 2 to 3 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/chinas-xpeng-targets-overseas-robotaxi-trials-next-year-wider-rollout",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-09T10:17:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/xpeng-robotaxis-yoyo-humanoid-robots-iron-brian-gu-interview-6445751"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng intends to initiate robotaxi trials in chosen overseas metropolises beginning next year, according to vice-chairman and president Brian Gu. The company aims to extend its autonomous driving technology beyond China's borders, with robotaxis potentially becoming more prevalent on roads within a two to three year timeframe. Gu stated that \"robotaxis are not that far from everyday life,\" foreseeing larger-scale commercial deployment around the world in the near future. Exact cities under consideration have not been disclosed by the company. In the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, Xpeng is presently testing its Yoyo robotaxi, utilizing nearly 100 vehicles in the pilot. Xpeng's driver-assistance systems have been employed in approximately 60% of the distance traveled by its vehicles. The company's robotaxi expansion follows the intense competition in China's electric vehicle sector. Gu highlighted the necessity for companies to develop capabilities beyond manufacturing, including artificial intelligence, supply chains, and overseas operations, to succeed in the competitive landscape. Xpeng is pursuing a \"physical AI\" approach, diversifying into areas like robots and flying vehicles. The company's Iron humanoid robot, resembling humans in size, posture, and movement, will debut in Xpeng's stores and offices to serve as receptionists and sales assistants. Plans to offer Iron to external customers are set for the second half of 2027.",
  "summary": "Xpeng is also ramping up production of its humanoid robot, Iron, with plans to put it to work in stores before offering it to external customers, vice-chairman and president Brian Gu tells CNA’s Julie Yoo in an interview.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNA - Business",
        "title": "China’s Xpeng targets overseas robotaxi trials next year, wider rollout in 2 to 3 years",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/chinas-xpeng-targets-overseas-robotaxi-trials-next-year-wider-rollout-13090665",
        "published": "2026-10-09T10:17:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}