Li Auto Plans Reshuffle to Move Some Product Functions Into R&D

Li Auto is preparing a new organizational restructuring around its product decision-making process, including splitting off some key functions from its product department and merging them into R&D, according to 36Kr. People familiar with the plan said the changes mainly target core product-definition teams for the electric powertrain and assisted driving. The electric powertrain definition team is set to be moved into the vehicle R&D unit led by Liu Liguo, while the assisted-driving terminal product team will be merged into the foundation model R&D team led by Zhan Kun. Sources said the product department will continue to cover areas such as smart space and smart glasses. The report said the goal is to streamline decision-making by reducing the process from three participating departments to two, with product lines and R&D connecting directly. Li Auto delivered 30,895 vehicles in June, compared with 40,597 for Nio and 40,126 for XPeng, the report added.