The controversy began on October 15 during the pre-sale event for the Xpeng MONA L05 model. During the presentation, product manager Enta, who belongs to the post-2000 generation, repeatedly used the term 'laodeng' to refer to colleagues. This terminology triggered public backlash, leading the product manager to issue a formal apology video explaining that the term was intended as an internal joke among team members.
Xpeng Vice President, known as Thomas Electric Train on social media, clarified that the term was strictly used to tease core product planning leaders, including Yang Guang, Jiang Wen, Feng Tou, and He Xiaopeng. The executive stated that these leaders were not offended by the remarks and instead praised the presentation for its authentic portrayal of the vehicle's development process.
The company confirmed that the product manager will continue her duties and is scheduled to participate in the official launch event for the MONA L05. She will present the vehicle alongside product manager Ouyang Nana and He Xiaopeng, who is identified by the company as a representative of the 'laodeng' group.
