Zeekr Expands Global Presence with Launch in Australia and Planned Expansion to Japan
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr, backed by Geely, is making significant strides in expanding its global presence. The brand is set to enter the Australian market this year and has plans to enter Japan in 2025.
Zeekr X SUV: Impressive Range and Fast Charging
- Zeekr’s flagship model, the X SUV, is equipped with a 66 kWh battery that supports 150 kW DC fast charging.
- The X SUV offers an impressive range, with the single-motor, rear-wheel drive variant capable of traveling up to 540 km (335 miles) on a single charge.
- The battery can be replenished from 10-80% in less than 30 minutes.
Zeekr’s X SUV is designed to deliver high performance and offers dual-motor options for those seeking more power.
Zeekr’s Entry into the Australian Market
Zeekr has established a local subsidiary in Australia and will adopt a franchise dealership distribution model to sell its vehicles in the country. The brand’s first model to be introduced in Australia is the X SUV.
The base model of the X SUV will be priced under AU$60,000 (~$40,000) before fees, while the all-wheel drive model will be priced below AU$70,000 (~$46,700). Zeekr also plans to launch the 009 luxury MPV in Australia by the end of 2024.
Expansion to Japan
Zeekr has set its sights on entering the Japanese market. The company is working to comply with local safety standards and plans to establish showrooms in Tokyo and Osaka. Both the X SUV and the 009 luxury MPV will be launched in Japan, although pricing details have not yet been announced.
It remains to be seen how receptive Japanese consumers will be to the Zeekr brand. In 2020, BYD, another Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, sold only 1,446 cars in Japan. However, there has been a slight increase in sales since then, with 207 cars sold locally in July.
