Leapmotor delivered 81,569 units in May 2026, up 81% year-over-year, setting a new record and securing the top spot among NEV startups. NIO, XPeng, Li Auto, Zeekr, and AITO all achieved strong growth. Chairman Zhu Jiangming and shareholder Fu Liquan increased their holdings by approximately HK$490 million on June 4, raising their combined stake to 24.71%.
Data Highlights: Leapmotor Breaks 80K Barrier
In May 2026, Leapmotor delivered 81,569 units, up 81% year-over-year, breaking the brand's historical record. This achievement secured its position at the top of monthly NEV startup delivery rankings. Leapmotor has maintained high-speed growth for consecutive months, with a product matrix covering multiple segments from compact to mid-large vehicles.
| Brand | May Deliveries | YoY Growth | MoM Growth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leapmotor | 81,569 | 81% | — | NEV startup #1 |
| NIO | 37,705 | 62.3% | — | Onvo surges 124.8% |
| Li Auto | 33,350 | — | — | Steady growth |
| Zeekr | 34,377 | 81.8% | — | Strong momentum |
| AITO | 34,320 | — | — | Balanced performance |
| XPeng | 32,158 | — | — | Continued recovery |
Brand Divergence: Leaders and Chasers
The May NEV startup delivery landscape showed clear divergence:
- Leapmotor: C-series and T-series dual-line strength, covering the 50,000-200,000 yuan price range, value strategy paying off
- NIO: Main brand 20,013 units, Onvo brand 12,029 units (MoM surge 124.8%), Firefly brand 5,663 units, three-brand strategy showing initial results
- Zeekr: YoY growth of 81.8%, approaching Leapmotor's pace, premium EV positioning solid
- Li Auto: 33,350 units, extended-range route continuing to validate market demand
- XPeng: 32,158 units, intelligent driving label gradually converting to sales momentum
- Leapmotor and Zeekr both exceeded 80% YoY growth, leading the expansion track
- NIO Onvo's 124.8% MoM surge represents the fastest second-brand ramp-up
- Li Auto, AITO, and XPeng established the 30,000 monthly delivery threshold
Management Signal: Increased Holdings Demonstrate Confidence
On June 4, Chairman Zhu Jiangming and shareholder Fu Liquan increased holdings by approximately HK$490 million. Following the increase, their combined stake rose to 24.71%. Management's genuine financial commitment sends a clear confidence signal to the market.
For importers in Central Asia and Russia, management's increased holdings indicate:
- Internal validation of corporate cash flow and operating conditions
- Sustainable long-term brand development strategy
- Supply chain and capacity expansion plans likely to proceed on schedule
Market Insights and Export Outlook
Chinese NEV startups' rapid volume expansion is reshaping the global new energy vehicle supply chain. High-value pure EV models from Leapmotor, NIO, and Zeekr have natural appeal for Central Asian and Russian markets:
- The 50,000-200,000 yuan price range aligns with local mainstream consumption capacity
- Intelligent configuration leads Japanese and Korean competitors at equivalent prices
- Sufficient production capacity, with export supply priority open to negotiation
| Price Range | Representative Models | Target Markets | Competitive Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50,000-100,000 yuan | Leapmotor T03 | Central Asia urban commute | Ultimate value |
| 100,000-150,000 yuan | Leapmotor C10/C11 | Russia family first purchase | Space + intelligence |
| 150,000-250,000 yuan | Zeekr 007/NIO ET5 | Central Asia premium | Luxury EV experience |
| 250,000+ yuan | NIO ES8/Li Auto L9 | Russia high-end | EREV/battery swap |
Tracking export plans and model configurations of NEV startups through EX1000.COM can secure early access to high-growth brands' import windows. May delivery data proves Chinese NEV startups have transitioned from "survival competition" to "scale expansion," with export momentum continuing to build.
