Shanghai Motor Show 2023: Zeekr announces expansion to Europe

The first models for the European market are the brand's flagship, the luxurious Shooting Brake Zeekr 001 with a range of around 600 km (subject to WLTP approval), as well as the Zeekr X, an urban SUV. The vehicles will make their debut in Sweden and the Netherlands at the end of 2023, with more countries and models soon to follow.

Both models are based on the SEA architecture designed for electric vehicles and are intended to offer European customers an interesting "combination of design, technologies, driving dynamics, performance, and safety, coupled with high range and fast charging." At the core of Zeekr's vehicle philosophy is the human being - every element has been carefully designed to enhance and make the driving experience more immersive. At the same time, the advanced connectivity, including over-the-air software updates (OTA updates), ensures that the vehicles can optimally adapt to the needs of their owners over time.

Strong start fueled expansion plans

Right from the beginning, the models were developed in Zeekr's global design and R&D centers in Gothenburg, Sweden, based on these requirements. The Zeekr Europe team has already been assembled and consists of more than 1,500 engineers and designers who have previously produced many successful models for the Geely Group. Their extensive experience is expected to play a crucial role in the successful market launch of the next Geely subsidiary in Europe. Andy An, Global CEO of Zeekr, explains:

"Just two years ago, we presented our first state-of-the-art electric vehicle, the Zeekr 001. The customer response to our brand was simply indescribable, and we have already sold more than 93,000 units. And our portfolio has continued to grow - first came the Zeekr 009, and now the Zeekr X, allowing us to further expand our growth potential. Following the last Series A financing round, which raised 750 million dollars, Zeekr was valued at 13 billion US dollars. Building on this success, we are already looking forward to introducing our brand as an important step in our growth strategy in the European market."

EU headquarters in Amsterdam

Zeekr Europe's headquarters will be in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with the members of the leadership team already having held senior positions at other vehicle manufacturers in the premium and luxury sectors.  Spiros Fotinos, CEO of Zeekr Europe knows:

"European customers are becoming more open to electric vehicles. Never before have they been so open to new technology brands - especially those that specialize exclusively in electric vehicles. With the resources, knowledge, and experience we can draw on, Zeekr is very well positioned to offer top-tier electric vehicles, innovative services, and an outstanding customer experience. This makes the transition to electromobility easier than ever before and can contribute to a sustainable future."

Zeekr will have thoroughly examined the needs of European luxury consumers and developed an understanding of what requirements electric vehicles must meet for potential switchers and what criticisms exist among electric vehicle owners. Of course, Zeekr also addressed the points of charging process, range, reliability, and residual value − all of these aspects are to be fulfilled in a complete package that includes a combination of services intended to cover all customer needs − for example, with offers for financing, insurance, charging, and connectivity solutions.

According to its own statements, Zeekr also places great emphasis on high vehicle quality and ensures this through the high standards by which each vehicle is built in the Zeekr Intelligent Factories. Thanks to a state-of-the-art 5G+ control system that governs the entire manufacturing process and advanced AI technologies, even small defects and deviations can be detected and corrected in record time – thus, highest product quality is to be guaranteed.

What does this mean?

The Shanghai Motor Show 2023 can be considered the definitive starting signal for China's automotive industry to expand into Europe. Geely is broadening its presence with Zeekr, having already established Polestar and Lynk&Co in the market. All three new brands share a certain European share in research and development, aiming to differentiate themselves somewhat from purely Chinese products.