Zeekr, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer under Geely Automobile, has recently revealed that two of its luxurious all-electric cars are now available for pre-orders in the Netherlands and Sweden. This announcement marks the entry of Zeekr into the European market, alongside the growing number of Chinese EVs launching in the region.
Zeekr Opens Pre-Orders For Luxury EVs In Sweden & Netherlands
According to the company’s statement, deliveries of the Zeekr 001 estate and the Zeekr X SUV will begin this autumn. The starting price for the Zeekr 001 is 59,490 euros ($64,952) including taxes, while the Zeekr X SUV starts at 44,990 euros ($49,121).
During a launch event in Gothenburg, Spiros Fotinos, the head of Zeekr’s European business, expressed that Sweden and the Netherlands are already advanced in the sales of electric vehicles. This market readiness in the two countries allowed Zeekr to gain insights and learn from customers before expanding into other European markets.
Zeekr Is Set Launch Its EVs In More European Countries
Zeekr has ambitious plans to launch its EVs in additional European countries. By 2024, the company aims to introduce its vehicles in Denmark, Germany, France, and Norway. Fotinos shared with Reuters, “Our plan is that through 2026 we will cover the majority of Western Europe.” He also emphasized the company’s intention to be present in important segments of the European market and mentioned the upcoming introduction of several other models in the coming years.
Zeekr is not alone in its efforts to establish a presence in Europe. Other Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD, Xpeng, and Aiways have also entered the European market, seeking to capture market share while many customers are still relatively new to electric vehicles.
The Company Will Also Open Flagship Stores By The End Of This Year
European carmakers are currently facing a dual threat. On one hand, they risk experiencing a decline in sales of their own vehicles in China, as local EV manufacturers gain dominance in the market. On the other hand, they face competition from rising sales of imported Chinese EVs, produced either by Chinese or Western automakers, in their home markets.
In addition to the pre-orders launch, Zeekr has plans to open flagship stores in Stockholm and Amsterdam by the end of the year. However, the company’s primary focus lies in online sales rather than establishing extensive dealer networks. Fotinos highlighted the inefficiencies present in the traditional dealership system and stated that many industry players are striving to eliminate these inefficiencies due to increasing costs.
