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Zeekr is planning to produce cars in Europe, or share a European factory with Volvo

2024-07-22

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(Text/Zhang Jiadong Editor/Gao Xin)

According to a report by Bloomberg on July 21, Zeekr is actively considering producing models in Europe.

In response, the Zeekr brand told Observer.com that Geely Holding Group has been working in the global market for many years and has a mature production and manufacturing and industrial chain layout in many overseas markets. The Zeekr brand is actively promoting the overseas manufacturing of multiple models including the Zeekr brand, including the European market.

In related reports, many foreign media including Bloomberg and INSIDE EVs believe that the reason why Zeekr and other Chinese brands have recently moved to Europe for production is a direct result of the EU's imposition of new tariffs on imported electric vehicles from China.

But unlike BYD, Chery, SAIC and other brands that need time to build factories, Zeekr has a simple and direct choice. INSIDE EVs believes that if Zeekr does move forward with its European manufacturing and localization plans, the brand will cooperate with Geely's existing factories (through Volvo).

Currently, Volvo factories in Sweden and Belgium are about to produce the Volvo EX30, which is built on the SEA architecture that shares the same platform with Zeekr.

Zeekr also confirmed some of the speculation in its response to Guancha.com, saying, "Based on this layout, Geely will choose to use existing resources within the group's ecosystem for manufacturing rather than opening new factories." However, Zeekr said that it has not yet made a more specific decision on which factory will be used in Europe for production and more details.

In the eyes of most foreign media, Zeekr seems to be very serious about its international expansion plan. Last week, both the Zeekr 009 and Zeekr X were released in right-hand drive form, showing Zeekr's ambition to develop in Southeast Asia and more right-hand drive markets.


Zeekr 7X preview image Zeekr brand official website

The Zeekr 7X, which released a preview photo earlier this month, is regarded by American car reviewer Kevin Williams as the most direct competitor to Tesla Model Y.

The car reviewer said, "Seeing this car is like eating a lemon, because you can't buy such a car in the United States. It can put pressure on Model Y. At the same time, compared with Polestar 4, the design of this family SUV will be more pleasing."

However, due to geopolitical factors, the current US trade policy still imposes excessively high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. INSIDE EVs pointed out in a comment that it is unclear whether Zeekr will enter the US market. Although the United States is in a new election cycle, both candidates obviously do not like Chinese-made electric vehicles.

However, importing from Europe will help Zeekr avoid 100% tariffs, as exemplified by the Volvo EX30, which recently switched to production in Belgium.

Zeekr Auto said that the company has been focusing on overseas markets since last year.

Since opening stores in Europe in Sweden, the Netherlands and other countries in June last year, and starting deliveries at the end of last year, Zeekr is also planning to enter multiple markets including Norway.

In addition to Europe and the Southeast Asian markets mentioned above, Zeekr also told Observer.com that after half a year of preparation, multiple visits and feasibility studies, Zeekr believes that pure electric sales in the Latin American market are in a development stage and will seize the opportunity.

From the perspective of the recent layout, Zeekr will start sales in Mexico in July and plans to sign an agreement with its Brazilian partners in August to officially enter the Brazilian market. In addition, Zeekr is also accelerating its layout in South American markets such as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Uruguay.

This article is an exclusive article of Observer.com and may not be reproduced without authorization.