A video posted online sparked heated discussion among netizens on Xpeng Motors, one of China’s major electric vehicle (EV) brands, as a group of people dressed in Taoist clothes lined up to celebrate the opening of a dealership store of Xpeng, which is considered an act of “feudal superstition.”
Xpeng responded to media on Tuesday, saying it would apologize for the impact caused by the improper behavior. At present, the specific store has been ordered to close down immediately for a review, and has been removed from Xpeng’s official website.
According to a video published by an auto blogger on Monday, accompanied by the sound of gong, a group of people dressed in Taoist clothes with Yin and Yang five elements pattern lined up in front of a Xpeng dealership store. One of which, playing the role of a “Taoist priest” walked back and forth, which netizens viewed as highly superstitious.
It is not the first time that Xpeng put itself in hot water over its marketing tactics.
In December 2021, Xpeng apologized for the illegal collection of 430,000 facial images of visitors to its stores without their consent. The company was fined by regulators for the illegal behavior and sparking harsh criticism on Chinese social media.
A group of users who ordered Xpeng cars in October 2021 began to complain after waiting nearly four months for delivery, with most waiting for the arrival of a Xpeng P5 460 model.
Earlier in January, Xpeng sold 12,900 units in a single month, up 115 percent year-on-year, leading among EV players.
Xpeng responded on Friday that due to the impact of the pandemic, the industry is facing an extremely tight supply of core components.
Facing fierce competition in the EV market, analysts said that Xpeng, as a leader in the nascent sector, should strengthen internal management, improve quality assurance system, and strengthen customer service as a means to consolidate its market position. .
On February 18, Xpeng Motor was included in the Hang Seng Technology Index. The inclusion will take effect on March 7.
The Hang Seng index series is considered the most important indicator of Hong Kong’s stock market performance. Companies listed in the Hang Seng Technology Index represent the 30 largest technology companies listed in Hong Kong.
A screenshot of online video showing an opening ceremony of Xpeng with a group of people dressed in Taoist clothes, which is considered an act of “feudal superstition.” Photo: web
