Business Insider·2025-11-17 17:44Core Insights - Xpeng, a Chinese EV startup, is focusing on creating a humanoid robot named Iron that is designed to be "highly human-like" to compete with Tesla's Optimus robot [1][2] - The company aims to sell 1 million units of Iron annually by 2030, with mass production expected to start by the end of 2026 [3][4] - Xpeng plans to utilize Iron in retail settings and as tour guides, indicating a strategic approach to market entry [4] Company Developments - Xpeng has showcased Iron with customizable body types, including male and female variants, to enhance user appeal [2] - The company is set to launch seven new vehicles next year, including three robotaxi models, and plans to begin mass production of a $280,000 flying car in 2026 [6] - Xpeng has achieved significant sales growth this year and is nearing profitability, positioning itself as a strong competitor in the EV market [5] Market Outlook - The CEO of Xpeng predicts that the market for humanoid robots could surpass that of the automotive market in the long run [4] - Xpeng's strategy to incorporate humanoid robots into its stores next year reflects a proactive approach to leveraging technology for customer engagement [4]