Axess powers Mauritius’ EV future with XPENG

Opening ceremony of XPENG showroom

Mauritius is shifting into a new gear in smart mobility, with XPENG and Axess stepping up their electric vehicle ambitions. Following XPENG’s Mauritius market entry last May, Axess has now unveiled the brand’s dedicated showroom at Bagatelle Motorcity during the opening ceremony on Aug 27. This move comes with an expanding product pipeline, advanced driver-assistance technology, and a clear focus on artificial intelligence. With two to three additional models expected by year-end, XPENG and Axess are betting on Mauritius as a strategic growth market for stronger regional ambitions. 

Rather than opting for a conventional opening ceremony, XPENG designed the evening as an immersive experience reflecting its core positioning around technology, innovation and the future of mobility. The event was held in its dedicated showroom at Bagatelle Motorcity, on Aug 27, in the presence of Land Transport Minister Osman Mahomed and representatives of XPENG Middle East and Africa.  

Guests were introduced to the showroom through XPILOT – XPENG’s digital host, while an evolving audio-visual environment allowed participants to select their experience through an application. The evening also offered an opportunity to experience the G6 and X9 first-hand.

Located at the former Peugeot showroom at Bagatelle Motorcity, the new facility has been designed around XPENG’s technology-led identity, combining automotive retail with a more experiential approach to mobility.

For Stéphane Chasteau de Balyon, Managing Director of Axess Ltd, the showroom gives XPENG a stronger physical presence in Mauritius. “Beyond being a new sales space, it gives the brand a genuine physical foothold on the island and reflects our determination to establish XPENG sustainably within the Mauritian automotive landscape”, he said.

Mauritius as a strategic market

XPENG also views the Mauritian operation as more than a standalone market. Jerry Dong, representing XPENG Middle East and Africa, stated that “Mauritius occupies a special place in our international development,” before adding that the showroom demonstrates XPENG’s intention to establish a long-term presence alongside Axess.

The company is also betting on the profile of Mauritian consumers, whom Jerry Dong described as increasingly technology-savvy and demanding.

Indeed, for Minister Osman Mahomed, “the arrival of technology-focused automotive players such as XPENG in our market reflects the positive evolution of the Mauritian automotive sector towards more innovative and environmentally responsible solutions.”

XPENG currently offers two flagship models in Mauritius. The G6 is positioned as an electric SUV combining performance with advanced technology, while the X9 is a premium seven-seater focused on comfort, space and connectivity.

The portfolio is expected to expand rapidly. Axess plans to introduce two to three additional models before the end of the year, reinforcing its ambition to build XPENG into a significant player in the local electric vehicle market.

Building the XPENG ecosystem

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Guangzhou, XPENG develops electric vehicles around artificial intelligence, smart driving and connected technologies. The company develops key technologies in-house, including advanced driver-assistance systems, its intelligent in-vehicle operating system, powertrain and electrical/electronic architecture.

XPENG operates across major technology and automotive centres including Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Munich and Amsterdam. Its vehicles are primarily manufactured in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou.

For Axess, the partnership adds another technology-driven brand to an established automotive platform. A subsidiary of ER Group, Axess claims close to 25% of Mauritius’ new-vehicle market, while also operating in used vehicles and heavy equipment.

With the new showroom and an expanded model pipeline, XPENG is now moving from market entry to market consolidation in Mauritius as the automotive industry is undergoing a structural shift towards electrification, connectivity and advanced driver-assistance technologies. 

XPENG’s proposition sits squarely at the intersection of these trends, with artificial intelligence and software increasingly central to the driving experience.