Xpeng Motors has recently entered the Australian market with its electric SUV model, the G6, generating positive responses among Australians, where the wait time for deliveries can stretch up to 12 to 16 weeks. To maintain customer interest during this waiting period, Xpeng has introduced a promotional extension of its warranty period, increasing it from the standard 5 years for the vehicle and 8 years for the battery to 10 years or 220,000 kilometers, covering both the car and the battery. This new warranty offer will be effective for customers who order the Xpeng G6 between February 1 and June 30, 2025, and it also applies retroactively. The value of this warranty extension amounts to 4,980 AUD (approximately 106,000 THB), alongside waivers on checking fees for the first year, valued at 238 AUD (about 5,000 THB).
The Xpeng G6 sold in Australia is available in two variants. The base model has a driving range of up to 435 kilometers (WLTP) and is priced at 54,800 AUD (around 1,169,000 THB), whereas the Long Range variant offers up to 570 kilometers (WLTP) and starts at 59,800 AUD (approximately 1,276,000 THB). Xpeng plans to expand its dealer network by adding 20 more locations by the end of 2025, aiming to have a total of 30 dealerships across Australia.
Xpeng is not the first vehicle manufacturer to extend warranty periods to 10 years; it follows suit after Mitsubishi, MG, and Nissan, which previously limited their mileage warranties to 200,000 kilometers, 250,000 kilometers, and 300,000 kilometers, respectively. The industry now watches closely to see which manufacturer will extend warranty coverage next.
On another front, as more consumers become increasingly aware of their health and environmental impact, the Central Group and its subsidiaries are dedicated to providing innovations and products beneficial not only to health but also to the planet we cherish. Through responsible sourcing practices from upstream to downstream, Central Group, with over 78 years of retail experience, operates with sustainability and environmental responsibility at its core, choosing sustainable materials to reduce production's ecological footprint and leveraging renewable energy to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Rachai Jiratthiwat, Executive Director of Central Group, stated, "At a time when consumers worldwide are placing greater importance on health and the environment, we strive to adapt and conduct our business inline with societal needs. Responsible sourcing is at the heart of every manufacturing step we take." One significant project under Central Group is the "Hug the Earth" initiative, partnered with the Thai Chamber of Commerce, allowing consumers to easily choose products labeled with the environmental symbol demonstrating the commitment to the planet reflected through various products available at Central Retail's stores.
Central Retail Corporation (CRC) has also launched the "Healthiful" project, focusing on curations of organic and health products approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This categorization helps consumers select products beneficial to their health, whether for those with dietary restrictions or items advocating holistic health.
Adding to their sustainability efforts is the "Jing Jai Farmer Market," which started at Tops Market Central Udon Thani back in 2018. This initiative gathers produce from local farmers who grow crops without harmful chemicals and according to organic agricultural standards, serving customers at 32 Tops locations nationwide and supporting over 11,000 households, generating more than 250 million THB.
Central Pattana (CPN) is also committed to promoting sustainability, showcasing spaces supporting small businesses and local farmers, such as the "Hug Thai" zone at Central World and Central Chiang Mai, along with the Jing Jai Farmer Market promoting Thai products and local agricultural goods through designated areas.
Central Group is also enhancing its eco-conscious product use methods, incorporating chemical-free cleaning products from Organic Living across shopping centers nationwide and donating 3% of sales to promote sustainable community practices. To address waste reduction, Central Group has initiated the use of Center Pull tissue paper to minimize unnecessary paper consumption and installed Dyson Airblade hand dryers, allowing for efficient energy savings and waste reduction.
Central Plaza Hotels, or Centara, joins the environmental initiative with the "CGCW Organic Farm" project at Centara Grand Central World, transforming old tennis court space to produce organic vegetables for hotel use, ensuring these are safe for consumers.
The careful selection of eco-friendly and responsibly sourced products by Central Group goes beyond merely filling consumer demand; it aims for sustainable shifts within Thailand's retail sector. By promoting quality and planet-friendly products, they also support local economic development and societal and environmental sustainability.