Li Auto AI Strategy: Humanoid Robots Push Amid Sales Slump

Li Xiang hosted a nearly two-hour online all-hands meeting for employees on Monday morning, Beijing time. According to local media, much of the discussion centered on his views on AI development trends rather than near-term sales recovery, which many staff had hoped to hear addressed.
The meeting itself was organized at very short notice. “We were informed last night that this meeting wasn't open to all employees, only a select group would participate,” a Li Auto employee told 21jingji. During the session, Li stressed that 2026 would be the last major opportunity for companies aiming to emerge as leaders in AI, adding that Level 4 autonomous driving could become achievable by 2028 at the latest.
Li Auto AI Strategy Expands Beyond Vehicles
As part of the Li Auto AI strategy, the company plans to strengthen its positioning as an embodied intelligence enterprise rather than solely an automaker focused on so-called mobile homes. Li stated that the roadmap extends beyond passenger vehicles into entirely new product categories.
Beyond automobiles, the company will launch humanoid robots and unveil them as soon as possible, according to the Li Auto CEO, as reported by 21jingji. This move aligns with broader ambitions to compete across AI-driven hardware platforms, not just within the electric vehicle segment.
Organizational Restructuring for AI Competition
To prepare for more intense AI competition, Li Auto will restructure its internal teams. Research and development operations will be reorganized into three core areas:

• Foundational AI models

• Software platforms

• Hardware systems, covering both vehicles and robots

This structure is intended to support faster innovation across autonomous driving, robotics, and future intelligent mobility products.
Employee Concerns Amid Declining Deliveries
Despite the long-term vision, dissatisfaction has surfaced internally as sales performance weakens. On the company’s internal social media platform, several employees questioned the purpose and timing of the all-hands meeting.
“Right now, AI-related content isn't my priority, nor is it the most urgent matter. I'd rather hear reflections and reviews on the company's top-priority tasks at this stage, along with Li Auto's overall strategy for 2026,” another employee was quoted as saying in the report.
In 2025, Li Auto’s vehicle deliveries declined 18.81% year-on-year to 406,343 units, with most months recording negative growth. Against this backdrop, local media recently reported that the company was evaluating the closure of some retail stores to improve efficiency. Li Auto later confirmed the assessment, while stressing that no large-scale shutdowns were planned.
Peers Accelerate AI Bets Across the China EV Market
Li Auto is not alone in intensifying its AI focus. Nio and Xpeng are also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, though with distinct strategies.
In an internal employee address on January 14, Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li said the company would significantly ramp up AI investment this year. He emphasized deeper AI integration to enhance product competitiveness and improve operational efficiency across the organization.
Nio has also formed an AGI committee tasked with accelerating AI adoption throughout its R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain operations, aiming to unlock efficiency gains at scale.
Xpeng, meanwhile, has already introduced its Iron humanoid robot, now in its second generation. In October 2025, the company appointed AI specialist Liu Xianming as head of its autonomous driving center, signaling a sharper strategic shift toward AI-led vehicle intelligence.
As Li Auto AI strategy continues to evolve, the contrast between long-term AI ambitions and short-term sales pressures is becoming more pronounced, underscoring the balancing act facing China’s leading electric vehicle makers.