Li Auto Launches Store Partnership Program Post-Chinese New Year, Empowering Store Managers

Li Auto will launch a "Store Partnership Program" after the Chinese New Year in 2026, aiming to enhance store operational efficiency and market responsiveness. According to LatePost Auto, the program will grant store managers greater decision-making authority and revamp the performance evaluation system—shifting from a single sales-based metric to a comprehensive assessment covering sales volume, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This move comes at a critical time as Li Auto intensifies its rollout of multiple updated or next-generation models, with the performance of its directly operated stores directly impacting new vehicle sales. As of December 31, 2025, Li Auto operated 548 retail centers across 159 cities nationwide, delivering 406,000 vehicles for the year—falling short of its annual target. In response to recent rumors about store closures and layoffs, the company clarified that it would only shut down a small number of underperforming mall-based outlets and emphasized that there are no plans for mass closures.