Chinese electric carmaker Zeekr announces European launch

Chinese manufacturer Zeekr will launch electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe starting this year as part of the brand’s ambitious global growth strategy.

The first models for Europe will be the flagship Zeekr 001 luxury shooting brake, which will deliver a range of around 600km (372 miles), subject to WLTP homologation, and the Zeekr X SUV (pictured below).

They will debut in Sweden and the Netherlands in late 2023 with other countries and models coming soon after, it says.

Built on the EV-focused SEA architecture, the ZEEKR 001 and ZEEKR X will offer customers in Europe an unrivaled balance of design, technology, driving dynamics, performance and safety, together with long range and fast charging.

Zeekr’s European team, composed of more than 1,500 engineers and designers, are already in place and have produced several models for the Geely Group. Their long-standing experience is a core advantage for Zeekr’s successful entry into Europe, it says.

Zeekr’s global CEO Andy AN, said: “It’s been just two years since we revealed our first state-of-the-art electric vehicle – the Zeekr 001. The response from customers to our brand has been incredible with over 93,000 units sold already.

“Our range has grown with the addition of the Zeekr 009 and now with Zeekr X, further unlocking our growth potential.

“After the last round of A-Series funding, which raised $750 million, Zeekr was valued at $13 billion, and building on that success, we are excited to launch our brand in Europe as a key step in our global strategy.”

Zeekr’s European headquarters will be located in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, and will be home to a leadership team who have held senior roles at other premium and luxury vehicle manufacturers.

Spiros Fotinos, CEO for Zeekr Europe, said: “European consumers are increasingly ready to make the shift to EVs and are more open than ever to new technology brands – especially ones purely focused on electric vehicles.

“With the resources, knowledge and experience we’ve got behind us, Zeekr is well positioned to offer world-class EVs, innovative services and an exceptional experience that will make the transition to electric easier than ever, allowing us to contribute to a more sustainable future.”