With its seamless connectivity to international markets, well-established research infrastructure, and innovative environment, Hong Kong provides the ideal platform for our R&D centre. We will fully leverage Hong Kong's strategic position to accelerate proprietary technology development.
Founded in 2015, Li Auto is a leading Chinese new-energy smart vehicle manufacturer. With the brand mission of "Create a Mobile Home, Create Happiness," the company focuses on providing smart electric vehicle products and services for family users. Li Auto has established competitive advantages in core areas such as extended-range electric vehicles, high-voltage pure electric technology and 5C ultra-fast charging. In the process of exploring global expansion, the company ultimately chose Hong Kong as its strategic base and o¬fficially established its overseas headquarters here in 2025.
Hong Kong as a Strategic Global R&D Hub
"After considering Hong Kong's business culture, economic vitality, and deep pool of research talent, we are confident it provides the optimal foundation for our overseas headquarters," said Teenqi Wang, Financial Compliance Manager of Li Auto. "As a significant player in China's new energy vehicle market, The Hong Kong office will serve as our overseas investment and financing centre while also functioning as a hub for intellectual property management, R&D collaboration, and global talent development. It will become an essential bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland with global markets."
He added, "Through our Intellectual Property Centre and AI R&D Base, we are building an integrated operational framework in Hong Kong. Our dedication to innovation is reflected in our pure electric I-series and its philosophy of 'ideal living is living the life you want,' delivering value to our customers through continuous technological breakthroughs. The R&D team is already fully operational, focusing on proprietary technology development. With over HK$20 million already invested here, our total commitment is expected to reach HK$2 billion as we continue to expand our research capabilities."
Hong Kong’s Innovation Policies Inject New Momentum
Wang noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government's development of an AI ecosystem and various favourable policies were also important reasons for the company's decision to establish a presence in the city. This includes the allocation of HK$1 billion to establish the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute, aimed at guiding and supporting AI innovation, R&D and industrial applications in Hong Kong, while promoting upstream R&D, midstream and downstream commercialisation, and scenario applications of AI. "Currently, Li Auto is in close discussions with multiple potential partners on AI applications and models for new-energy vehicles," he shared.
Wang also emphasised that Invest Hong Kong played a crucial role in the setup process, not only helping the company gain an in-depth understanding of local innovation policies but also providing practical support in resource matching and implementation planning.
