Chinese electric vehicle maker Li Auto has signed partnership agreements covering Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam, speeding up its expansion across Asia-Pacific and preparing the ground for its first right-hand-drive models.

The company announced the agreements on Tuesday, saying the five markets had entered launch preparations. The signings take to nine the number of Asia-Pacific markets Li Auto is entering in 2026, after deals signed in April for Macao, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, with Macao launching in June.

Thailand to be run directly, others by distributors

Under the partnership model, Thailand will be the only one of the five markets operated directly by a Li Auto subsidiary, with Evante and Infinite Automobile Company serving as dealer partners.

The other four markets will be handled by distributors. Zung Fu Group Hong Kong will act as general distributor in Hong Kong, Wearnes Automotive will handle Singapore, Dangdang New Energy Auto Service will cover the Philippines, and Neera Motors will serve Vietnam.

The company did not disclose the terms of the agreements, sales targets or prices.

Right-hand-drive Li Mega to debut in December

Li Auto plans to debut the right-hand-drive Li Mega, its flagship battery electric MPV, in Thailand in December at the Thailand International Motor Expo, which runs from 2 to 13 December near Bangkok. A brand launch and a launch of the model in Hong Kong will follow.

The Li Mega is Li Auto’s first battery electric vehicle and its first right-hand-drive flagship model. The company said it would introduce more than one right-hand-drive model within a year, without naming the others.

For right-hand-drive markets, Li Auto has developed a Li Mega version supporting 11 kW charging and featuring a CCS Type 2 connector, with configurations designed to meet ASEAN NCAP five-star safety standards. The company has also adapted window glass, licence plate sizes, in-cabin 220-volt power outlets, local languages, SIM cards, data services and infotainment systems to meet local regulations and user habits.

No dates yet for three markets

Li Auto gave no launch dates for Singapore, the Philippines or Vietnam. In Vietnam, Neera Motors plans to introduce the L6, L8 and L9 extended-range SUVs and the fully electric i6 in December or January, according to local reports. In Singapore, Wearnes will open a showroom at 45 Leng Kee Road and expects first deliveries in January or February 2027.

Nestor Wu, vice president of Li Auto’s international business, said the company would work with local partners to adapt its products and services, bringing its family-focused smart electric vehicles to more customers across Asia-Pacific.

The expansion extends Li Auto’s strategy of tailoring its overseas line-up by region. The company has said it will prioritise battery electric vehicles in Europe and extended-range models in the Middle East and Central Asia.