(Yicai) April 23 -- Rox Motor set out its global expansion roadmap and showcased a new research partnership at the Shanghai Auto Show, which opened today, as the Chinese luxury new energy vehicle startup aims to become the world's leading NEV brand for outdoor enthusiasts by 2030.

Rox plans to deepen its footprint in the Middle East and Central Asia while pushing into high-growth potential markets across the Americas and Africa this year, the Suzhou-based company said, adding that since launching overseas sales a year ago, it has entered nearly 30 markets.

Founded in 2021, Rox launched its first model, the Rox 01, in August 2023, with deliveries starting in December that year. The mid-sized sport utility vehicle made its global debut at the Abu Dhabi Auto Show in April last year.

To support its international expansion, Rox will build regional parts warehouses, starting in the Middle East and Central Asia, enabling five-day emergency deliveries. It also aims to open 60 standardized after-sales service centers worldwide.

Rox also announced today the launch of the Weiqiao-Rox Motor Lightweight Vehicle Joint Laboratory in Suzhou. Developed with Weiqiao Pioneering Group, the lab will use Weiqiao's proprietary WQAL alloy system to boost aluminum content in Rox's vehicles to 50 percent, thereby reducing weight by 15 percent, improving torsional strength by 11 percent, and boosting driving range by 10 percent.

Weiqiao, a Fortune Global 500 company that exports over 40 million tons of bauxite annually, invested USD1 billion in Rox last September as part of a strategic tie-up.

Rox also revealed that it intends to launch one new vehicle model every year from now until 2027 to build out its all-terrain vehicle lineup.

The carmaker has cultivated an active owner community, with members of the Rox Owners Club having logged over one million kilometers in their vehicles last year. The firm plans more lifestyle-focused user events this year, as well as adventure and outdoor activities.

Editor: Futura Costaglione