The future of transportation may be arriving sooner than many people expected.

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng says it is on track to begin large-scale deliveries of its highly anticipated flying cars in 2027. Company President Brian Gu shared the update ahead of the Beijing Auto Show, outlining the company's ambitious plans for both flying vehicles and humanoid robots.

According to Gu, Xpeng expects to start producing flying cars at scale next year, with early customer deliveries potentially beginning as soon as late 2026. Interest in the futuristic vehicles is already strong, with more than 7,000 orders reportedly placed, most of them from customers in China. The company is currently working with aviation regulators to secure the approvals needed to bring the vehicles to market.

But flying cars are only part of Xpeng's vision.

The automaker also plans to launch large-scale production of humanoid robots in the fourth quarter of 2026. Initially, these robots will serve in customer-facing roles such as receptionists and sales assistants, helping businesses interact with customers. Looking further ahead, Gu believes humanoid robots could become an even bigger business than automobiles within the next two decades.

"There's a much wider range of potential applications for humanoid robots in everyday life," Gu suggested, highlighting the company's long-term confidence in the technology.

Xpeng is also pushing forward with autonomous transportation. The company plans to begin robotaxi testing in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou this year and expects 2027 to be a pivotal year for global testing efforts through partnerships around the world. Over the next 12 to 18 months, Xpeng could manufacture anywhere from hundreds to thousands of robotaxis.

Partnerships are another key part of the company's growth strategy. Gu pointed to growing collaboration opportunities with German automaker Volkswagen, which recently started mass production of its first electric vehicle developed jointly with Xpeng. He also noted that the company remains open to working with additional automakers in different regions.

As Xpeng continues expanding internationally, its global footprint is becoming increasingly important. The company now operates in roughly 60 countries outside China. Last year, overseas markets accounted for about 10% of vehicle sales and approximately 15% of revenue.

Looking ahead, Xpeng expects international growth to play an even larger role in its future. Gu predicts that within the next five to ten years, more than half of the company's revenue could come from markets outside China.

With flying cars, humanoid robots, robotaxis, and a growing international presence, Xpeng is positioning itself as more than just an electric vehicle company—it's aiming to become a major player in the next generation of transportation and robotics.