Introduction

21st Century Business Herald: On November 19, 21 Finance's "Debunking Finance" segment addressed market rumors that XPENG (9868.HK) planned to produce thousands of autonomous taxis annually between 2026 and 2027.

In response, a reporter from 21 Finance · Nanfang Finance Express reached out to XPENG. The head of the relevant department stated that after becoming aware of the market rumors, the company conducted a verification process and found that the rumors did not stem from officially disclosed data.

Subsequently, the company contacted the originator of the rumors, who claimed that the content was derived from a predictive analysis report and not from XPENG's actual production plans. Consequently, the company concluded that the rumors were false.

(For reference, please click: "The 'Clash of Titans' in Autonomous Driving Robotaxi Intensifies Once Again: XPENG Unveils Three Models, Tesla Cybercab Makes Its Debut, and the 2026 Driverless Travel 'Race for Survival' Commences!")

This rumor-clearing episode within the industry carries more significance than what is visible on the surface.

It acts as a mirror, reflecting the immense expectations, real-world challenges, and strategic maneuvers that the current autonomous driving industry, particularly the Robotaxi (autonomous taxi) sector, is grappling with.

I. Why Did the Rumor Surface? – A 'Believable' Misunderstanding and Market Anticipations

The primary reason the market readily accepted the rumor of 'producing thousands annually' is that it was not unfounded but was based on two 'believable' pillars:

1. The Official's Grand Vision

On the 5th of this month, during the 'XPENG Tech Day,' XPENG officially unveiled its Robotaxi strategy, which includes launching three Robotaxi models in 2026, initiating trial operations, and forming a global ecological partnership with Gaode.

This series of significant announcements painted a vivid future for the market, significantly expanding investors' imaginations.

Against this backdrop, analysts' projection of 'producing thousands annually' seemed like a logical next step.

2. Industry's Competitive Landscape

Globally, companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox are ramping up their commercialization efforts in the Robotaxi sector.

Domestically, leading players such as Pony.ai and WeRide have gone public and are making significant strides in fleet scalability.

In this fiercely competitive environment where 'all boats are sailing in the same direction,' the market naturally anticipates XPENG, a key player among new automotive forces, to present an equally, if not more, aggressive production timeline.

Thus, this 'false rumor' is essentially a logical, albeit overly premature, 'linear projection' by the market based on official strategic signals.

II. Why Did XPENG Quickly Dispel the Rumor? – A Pragmatic Decision and Risk Mitigation

XPENG's swift and unequivocal denial following the rumor's spread reveals its strategic thinking:

1. Managing Market Expectations to Prevent 'Overhype'

The technical intricacies and commercialization challenges of Robotaxi are exceedingly high.

Prematurely committing to a specific and aggressive production target is akin to casting a 'self-imposed spell.'

Failing to meet it on schedule would severely tarnish the company's reputation and stock price.

Swiftly dispelling the rumor aims to provide ample flexibility for technological R&D and commercial exploration, preventing the company from being 'held hostage' by excessively high market expectations.

2. Focusing on Current Core Business to Bolster Investor Confidence

Although XPENG's Q3 deliveries soared by 149.3% year-on-year, and revenue grew by 101.8%, indicating strong business recovery momentum, profitability pressures persist.

At this juncture, the company's primary narrative should still revolve around solidifying its position and profitability in the mainstream consumer-grade intelligent electric vehicle market.

If the external world misinterprets that 'XPENG is overinvesting in the still-uncertain Robotaxi,' it could shake investor confidence in its core business.

Dispelling the rumor sends a clear message: We look to the future but remain firmly rooted in the present.

III. Industry Insights from the Incident: Robotaxi's 'Ideal' vs. 'Reality'

This incident also sheds light on the common challenges faced by the entire Robotaxi industry:

1. The Gap from 'Demonstration' to 'Mass Production'

Launching a concept car and conducting trial operations in limited areas are vastly different from achieving 'mass production of thousands annually' and full-scenario commercialization.

This entails cost control, supply chain capabilities, regulatory breakthroughs, and, most critically, resolving core technical bottlenecks.

2. A Dual-Pronged Approach is More Prudent

XPENG's strategy (launching Robotaxi models while cautiously setting production targets) represents a current pragmatic path:

On one hand, exploring Robotaxi operations through relatively asset-light collaborations with platforms like Gaode.

On the other hand, continuing to prioritize the application of autonomous driving technology to mass-produced vehicles (e.g., XNGP), leveraging vast user data for technological iteration, and following a gradual path of 'mass-produced vehicles - data - algorithms - Robotaxi.'

XPENG's 'rumor-clearing' is not a denial or retreat from its Robotaxi strategy but a precise 'cooling down' and 'calibration.'

It clearly defines the boundary between 'strategic vision' and 'tactical goals.'

For industry observers, this serves as a reminder to exercise caution when interpreting the grand blueprints painted by tech companies.

In conclusion, Driverless Car Era (WeChat public account: Driverless Car Era) believes:

The future of autonomous driving Robotaxi is promising, but the path to it is inevitably winding and gradual, requiring sustained endurance rather than momentary grandiose statements.

XPENG's decision may indeed reflect a more rational and far-sighted business acumen.

What's your perspective?