Luxgen: Taiwan's Largely Unknown EV Brand - CleanTechnica

Luxgen, launched in 2009 by Taiwan’s Yulon Motor, represented a significant step for Taiwan’s automotive industry, aiming to establish a homegrown brand that could compete globally with Japanese, Korean, and European automakers. Unlike Yulon’s previous role as a licensed manufacturer for Nissan, Luxgen was developed in-house with a strong focus on advanced technology. Early Luxgen models, such as the Luxgen7 MPV and SUV, featured innovative safety and convenience technologies like a 360-degree parking camera, night vision assist, and lane departure warning—features typically found only in high-end German cars at the time. The brand’s name, a blend of “Luxury” and “Genius,” reflected its ambition to embody Taiwanese innovation and intelligence in automotive design. Luxgen pursued international expansion, entering markets including the Philippines, China (via a joint venture with Dongfeng), Russia, the Middle East, and Central America, with dealerships opening in Vietnam and Cambodia. Despite initial optimism,