Brian Gu, Xpeng’s co-president, argued Wednesday that fierce local competition, not state support, explains China’s EV success.

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chinese EV maker Xpeng's board vice-chairman and co-president Brian Gu said that the carmaker was not planning to sell its cars in Europe in order to provide a cheap alternative but to bring its technology.

If EU tariffs are approved, Xpeng will be slapped with an additional 21.3% surtax. The brand also sees the US as an important market but can’t launch locally, at least not yet. Xpeng is open to contract manufacturing in Europe.

Options include contract manufacturing, tapping existing factories or a new assembly plant, top company official says.