Quick Takeaways
- Li Auto autonomous driving restructuring signals a deeper push into robotics and artificial intelligence.
- The leadership reshuffle aligns software, hardware, and foundation models under a unified AI-driven strategy.
Li Auto continues to realign its internal structure as it accelerates investment in robotics and artificial intelligence, integrating autonomous driving more closely with core software and hardware development to support its long-term technology roadmap.
Autonomous driving leadership moves to hardware operations
The company’s autonomous driving head, Lang Xianpeng, will take on the role of head of hardware operations, with primary responsibility for robotics research and development, according to local technology media reports. Lang, a senior vice president, will now report to Li Auto president Ma Donghui and will no longer oversee autonomous driving operations.
R&D system reorganized into three core teams
As part of the Li Auto autonomous driving restructuring, the company has reshaped its R&D framework into three main teams:
Autonomous driving team integrated into software division
The restructuring also marks the dissolution of the standalone autonomous driving team. Its functions will be absorbed into the software team led by Gou Xiaofei, who will oversee intelligent cockpit and smart driving research and development. Gou will continue reporting directly to Ma Donghui.
Foundation models and in-house chips gain prominence
Zhan Kun will head the foundation model team, focusing on the integration of Visual-Language-Action (VLA) capabilities and Li Auto’s internally developed chips. This team will report to CTO Xie Yan, reflecting the company’s emphasis on building core AI capabilities in-house.
CEO outlines long-term AI and robotics vision
With AI advancing rapidly across industries, Li Auto is making a significant strategic commitment to the field. Founder, chairman, and CEO Li Xiang reiterated this focus during an internal meeting, sharing his perspective on emerging AI trends.
He noted that 2026 represents the final window for companies aiming to become leading AI players, while Level 4 autonomous driving could be achieved by 2028 at the latest. Li added that the company will further strengthen its positioning as an embodied intelligence enterprise rather than simply an automotive manufacturer.
Beyond vehicles, Li Auto plans to expand into humanoid robots, with initial products expected to debut as soon as possible, reinforcing the strategic intent behind the Li Auto autonomous driving restructuring and its broader robotics ambitions.
Autonomous driving leadership moves to hardware operations
The company’s autonomous driving head, Lang Xianpeng, will take on the role of head of hardware operations, with primary responsibility for robotics research and development, according to local technology media reports. Lang, a senior vice president, will now report to Li Auto president Ma Donghui and will no longer oversee autonomous driving operations.
R&D system reorganized into three core teams
As part of the Li Auto autonomous driving restructuring, the company has reshaped its R&D framework into three main teams:
- Foundation model team
- Software team
- Hardware team
Autonomous driving team integrated into software division
The restructuring also marks the dissolution of the standalone autonomous driving team. Its functions will be absorbed into the software team led by Gou Xiaofei, who will oversee intelligent cockpit and smart driving research and development. Gou will continue reporting directly to Ma Donghui.
Foundation models and in-house chips gain prominence
Zhan Kun will head the foundation model team, focusing on the integration of Visual-Language-Action (VLA) capabilities and Li Auto’s internally developed chips. This team will report to CTO Xie Yan, reflecting the company’s emphasis on building core AI capabilities in-house.
CEO outlines long-term AI and robotics vision
With AI advancing rapidly across industries, Li Auto is making a significant strategic commitment to the field. Founder, chairman, and CEO Li Xiang reiterated this focus during an internal meeting, sharing his perspective on emerging AI trends.
He noted that 2026 represents the final window for companies aiming to become leading AI players, while Level 4 autonomous driving could be achieved by 2028 at the latest. Li added that the company will further strengthen its positioning as an embodied intelligence enterprise rather than simply an automotive manufacturer.
Beyond vehicles, Li Auto plans to expand into humanoid robots, with initial products expected to debut as soon as possible, reinforcing the strategic intent behind the Li Auto autonomous driving restructuring and its broader robotics ambitions.
Company Press Release
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