Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) arm of Geely Holding Group, has announced the commencement of mass production for the right-hand drive version of its Zeekr X SUV, marking a significant step in its global expansion plans. This development is aimed at bolstering the company's presence in right-hand drive markets across Southeast Asia, Commonwealth countries and select island nations, which predominantly use right-hand drive vehicles. Hmm. We're a right-hand drive island, right?
The announcement, which was made via a Weibo post by the company, highlighted that the first batch of Zeekr X city SUVs has already rolled off the production line, with deliveries set to commence in the third quarter of this year. The move is part of Zeekr's strategy to accelerate its entry into the global automotive market.
Further solidifying its commitment to international markets, Zeekr initiated pre-orders for the right-hand drive versions of the Zeekr X and Zeekr 009 MPV in Thailand back on 25th March. The company plans to collaborate with multiple local dealerships in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and other cities – to facilitate market penetration – with vehicle deliveries expected to start in the third quarter.
In addition to its Thai market initiatives, Zeekr has been actively pursuing partnerships to expand its footprint in other regions. At the end of last year, the company forged a partnership with Premium Auto to enter Singapore's automotive market. Following this, Zeekr disclosed plans to launch the Zeekr 009 and the right-hand drive Zeekr X in Singapore, with vehicle deliveries projected to start in the third quarter of 2024.
Expanding further, Zeekr entered into an agreement with Kam Lung Motor Group on October 26, 2023, to explore opportunities in the Hong Kong and Macau markets. The company began selling its left-hand drive models in Macau towards the end of 2023 and plans to introduce the right-hand drive versions in Hong Kong and Macau before the end of 2024. Anyone who's visited Hong Kong will know that the island's road systems and driving conditions most resemble UK cities.
Zeekr's recent ramp up in production has been impressive, with the company delivering 18,616 vehicles in May, marking a record for the second consecutive month. This follows an April delivery count of 16,089 vehicles. From January to May, Zeekr reported a delivery total of 67,764 vehicles, a significant increase of more than 111% year-on-year.
On 10th May, Zeekr went public on the New York Stock Exchange, attaining a market capitalisation of approximately $6 billion. This positions Zeekr behind its peers like Nio ($10 billion) and well below Tesla, which holds a marcap of $567 billion – but it is still significant, given that Zeekr is one brand within a much larger organisation.
The Zeekr X model, is described as an urban SUV, combines bold design with advanced technology. It features an ‘intelligent cockpit' designed to provide a highly immersive user experience.
The vehicle boasts a robust power output, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.8 seconds, with a peak power of 315kW in its All-Wheel Drive configuration. It offers a top speed just under 120 mph and a maximum range nearing 275 miles in perfect conditions. Realistically, you might just complete a journey from London to Manchester at 70mph in dry conditions and with a temperature around 20 degrees.
Safety and technology are paramount in the Zeekr X design.
Specifically, it has an intelligent four-wheel-drive system, with 6 ECUs and 18 sensors throughout the vehicle, Zeekr X can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive mode within 0.4 seconds.
Fast acceleration leads to a requirement for improved brakes. Equipped with 4-piston brake callipers and AMS ventilated brake discs, the Zeekr X braking system enables the vehicle to come to a complete stop, from 60mph, in less than 35m.
Safety continues with the structure of the vehicle. Reinforced anti-collision beams use an 8-tube multi-layer structure, allowing the entire vehicle to withstand a lateral impact force of 65 tons while enhancing protection of the battery and passengers. Should the worst happen, six airbags, including the front airbags which wrap around the passenger to provide 360-degree protection for the head. Side curtain airbags extend to the A-pillar.
In-car intelligence is provided by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8155 processors, each of which comes with 16GB of memory and 128GB of storage. The 24.3″ panoramic HUD enables crisp/clear projections onto the windshield for the driver – and the Ai powered voice activation system learns your preferences quickly.
Software updates happen over the air and the Zeekr X aims to keep you safe by constantly monitoring five HD cameras, five ‘millimetre wave' radars and a bank of twelve ‘ultrasonic' radars.
The true significance of this move toward full production, is that these cars could be shipped/sold into the UK with little/no amendment.
This strategic move to ramp up production of the right-hand drive variant underlines Zeekr's readiness to meet the diverse demands of global markets, positioning the company for increased international presence.
Cynics might imagine that the Zeekr X as a slimmed down EX30, which may be the case to some extent. Either way, that could be good news for EV drivers who are looking for a high-end experience for low-end money. The Volvo EX30 is available in the UK from around £33,000. Getting a very similar car/spec (but maybe with more battery) for close to £30,000 (if that's where it launches), can only be a good thing.
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