Li Auto launches All-New Li L9 in Kazakhstan and signs local assembly deal

Li Auto rolled out the All-New Li L9 in Almaty and signed an MOU with Allur to begin local assembly in Kazakhstan, with the agreement witnessed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The move gives Li Auto its first overseas production base and expands its push from vehicle exports to a localized ecosystem of apps, navigation, media, and after-sales support.

Why it matters: - Li Auto is moving beyond exports and into local production, which can improve delivery speed, service coverage, and market commitment in Kazakhstan. - Kazakhstan becomes Li Auto’s first market outside China to produce Li Auto vehicles. - The launch also extends Li Auto’s overseas strategy into software, navigation, and entertainment services, not just hardware.

What happened: - Li Auto launched the All-New Li L9 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, last week. - Li Auto signed an MOU with Allur on July 16 during the Kazakhstan-China Roundtable in Shanghai. - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was present for the roundtable and witnessed the signing. - Allur will locally assemble the L-series at its Kostanay plant and begin series production.

The details: - The All-New Li L9 uses a third-generation extended-range system. - The vehicle has a WLTC pure electric range of 350 km and a combined range of 1,370 km. - The model includes an 800V active-suspension chassis, steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering, and a next-generation smart cockpit. - The cockpit features a 29-inch panoramic screen and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 platform. - The Kazakhstan version keeps the core capabilities while adapting to local charging standards, road conditions, and user preferences. - Li Auto launched the international Li App for local users. - Li Auto said the ecosystem is deepened through integration with Yandex and Amap. - The partnerships bring Yandex Maps and Amap navigation, real-time traffic updates, Yandex Music, Yandex Books, Yandex Video, and access to Kinopoisk content into the Li L9 cockpit. - The system also supports Spotify and Apple CarPlay.

Between the lines: - The Allur agreement signals a broader localization strategy that combines manufacturing, software, and content services in one market. - Li Auto is positioning Central Asia as a starting point for its global expansion. - Donghui Ma, Li Auto co-founder, president, and chief engineer, said the company wants to provide long-term vehicle services to families in Kazakhstan through official channels and local partners. - Li Auto entered Central Asia, the Caucasus, and North Africa in 2025. - The company says its 2026 push is accelerating across the Middle East and Central Asia, with additional visibility planned at the Paris Auto Show in October and a right-hand-drive MEGA planned for Hong Kong before year-end.

What's next: - Allur is expected to start series production of the L-series at the Kostanay plant. - Li Auto will continue expanding localized digital services and the international Li App for overseas customers. - The company plans more regional activity in the Middle East and Central Asia, plus a Paris Auto Show appearance in October. - A right-hand-drive MEGA is expected in Hong Kong before the end of the year.

The bottom line: - Li Auto is treating Kazakhstan as more than a sales market. The company is building a localized EV ecosystem there, with assembly, apps, navigation, and entertainment all tied to the same launch.