Chinese NEV automaker Li Auto opened its first overseas retail center in Uzbekistan as it enters the global market. In the initial stage, this company will develop in Central Asia with a future launch in Kazakhstan. Later, Li Auto will focus on expanding the Middle East and European markets.
Li Auto initially planned to enter overseas markets in 2028. However, it faced an intense domestic competition, which resulted in a sales decline. In Q3 2025, Li Auto sold fewer vehicles than in the same period of 2023. An increasing market pressure pushed the company to speed up its international launch with Central Asia as the first region.
Li Auto’s first overseas retail center
In previous years, Li Auto cars were exported to Central Asia via alternative channels by third-party companies. Its major markets include Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. On October 13, Li Auto shared that its first overseas retail center opened in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. In contrast with the direct sales model in China, Li Auto will sell its cars through dealers internationally. The company’s partner in Uzbekistan is Control Auto.
The authorized dealer will provide official warranties, inspections, and repairs, spare parts delivery, technical support, OTA updates, and other services to overseas customers who purchased vehicles through authorized retail centers. It means people who previously bought cars via alternative channels won’t have access to the mentioned services.
In the first stage, Li Auto will sell three models overseas. They include the L6, the L7, and the L9 crossovers. Wu Zuomin, Head of the company’s International Business, said that Li Auto strives for global expansion and sees tremendous potential in the Central Asian market. In November 2025, Li Auto will enter Kazakhstan with two appointed dealers: Allur and Doscar.
Li Auto has established R&D centers in Germany and the United States to promote the localization of products and technologies. Li Auto plans to adapt new models to the regulatory requirements of overseas markets in 2026.
