Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG has enlisted actress and television host Anne Curtis as its first Philippine brand ambassador, using her mainstream appeal to help introduce its artificial intelligence-powered vehicles to a market where electric mobility is gaining traction.
Curtis was unveiled at the company’s Philippine launch at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on September 25, alongside the debut of two models: the XPENG X9 Ultra-Intelligent Seven-Seater MPV and the XPENG L03 Next-Generation AI SUV Coupé.
The partnership signals XPENG’s push to turn brand recognition into consumer interest as competition intensifies in the country’s electric vehicle sector, where automakers are vying to differentiate their offerings through technology, design and premium features.
“Anne brings together elegance, energy, intelligence and authenticity,” said Hanna Tao, XPENG Southeast Asia marketing director.
Curtis said her decision to work with the brand was informed by firsthand experience behind the wheel of the L03.
“It’s smart and stylish, but it also feels very intuitive, like the car is designed around you and what you need,” she said.
Beyond its vehicle lineup, XPENG used the launch to showcase its broader technology ambitions, featuring the X2 Flying Car and IRON Humanoid Robot. The displays underscored the company’s positioning around artificial intelligence, robotics and next-generation mobility, extending its pitch beyond conventional electric vehicles.
XPENG Philippines is the Chinese automaker’s first direct subsidiary in Southeast Asia, giving the company a direct foothold in a region where electric vehicle adoption and supporting infrastructure remain at different stages of development.
The company operates in 60 countries and regions and reported cumulative global vehicle deliveries of more than 1.2 million as of July 2026.
The Philippine launch also featured performances by singer TJ Monterde, P-pop group GAT and social media personality Criselda Alvarez, adding entertainment value to an event aimed at introducing the brand to local consumers.
Whether the ambassador partnership translates into sustained demand will depend on factors beyond visibility, including pricing, after-sales support and consumers’ confidence in EV ownership.
