Where did ZEEKR even come from?
ZEEKR is one of the divisions of GEELY Holding Group, which specializes in producing premium electric vehicles that can compete with American Tesla and Chinese Nio. The company itself was founded in March 2021, and the first model, which subsequently became the main bestseller, was released in April of the same year. Importantly, in 2022, ZEEKR partnered with CATL. CATL is like an AK-47 in the world of battery cells. A distinctive mark of quality.
Now let's break down ZEEKR letter by letter. As stated by the head of GEELY's European division, Spiros Fotinos:
- Z – Zero Emission
- E – Electricity
- E – Evolution/Era
- KR – Krypton
Thus, from this rebus, we get that ZEEKR is about eco-friendly electric vehicles designed to revolutionize the automotive world without damaging the environment. I believe the last "KR" was pulled into the brand name just to make it sound cool. And it does sound cool. Marketers get a 10 out of 10.
How did it all begin?
It all quite logically started with the model 001. You couldn’t think of a better name for such a powerful start. As I mentioned earlier, the first model came out merely a month after the company's formation. It is clear that work had been ongoing long before that. Fortunately, since 2016, GEELY and VOLVO have been jointly developing the electric direction in Lynk & Co, and certain developments and experience had already been acquired. The completely new modular SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform cost a gigantic sum of over 18 billion yuan, which at the current exchange rate amounts to over 260 billion rubles. It is no secret that a large number of engineers and designers were invited from Europe and Scandinavia. The main engineering development center is located in Sweden in the city of Gothenburg, and it is from this city that VOLVO's history began. The key figure for the design was Stefan Zilaff – a person who worked for a long time in the Volkswagen Audi Group, specifically responsible for the design of AUDI and Bentley. What we see in the exterior and interior of the ZEEKR is a combination of restrained European design school with a careful touch of futurism.
What models are available?
Zeekr 001
The very first and loudest model of the brand that became a bestseller in China and Russia. The shooting brake body style has won over many. This choice was aimed at young people who love dynamic driving and modern technologies. The main competitor at the time of the car’s release was the Porsche Panamera and AUDI S7, RS7. The pre-restyling version has a power of 544 hp and a battery capacity of 100 kWh, allowing it to cover a maximum distance of 656 km (under ideal conditions). Since 2024, a restyled version has appeared, which has undergone more than 1000 changes in its design. Power has increased to 789 hp and the maximum range has grown to 705 km. Prices range from 6,500,000 to 7,500,000 rubles for available cars.
ZEEKR 009
The platform-sharing ZEEKR 001 minivan 009 has also attracted buyers in Russia. Thanks to the excellent quality of the interior and superb dynamics, sales of this model have risen, despite the quite high prices ranging from 11,000,000 to 18,000,000 rubles on average. The claimed maximum range of 822 km is a strong argument in favor of choosing the 009.
ZEEKR X
The most affordable option from ZEEKR. A compact model that features the signature design style of all ZEEKR models. It boasts 428 hp and a range of just over 512 km. It is worth noting that the X can come in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive versions. It is mainly sold with all-wheel drive. Prices range from 4,000,000 to 5,200,000 rubles.
ZEEKR 007
Zeekr continues to expand its model lineup, with less successful models like the 007, 7X, and MIX appearing later. The goal is to offer vehicles to a wide audience for completely different needs. And all this is within the framework of fierce competition in the domestic market, where incredible sales are demonstrated by TOYOTA, Volkswagen, AUDI, BYD, and others.
So we will watch and see how ZEEKR develops under the wing of GEELY. So far, this is a story of right decisions, clear planning, and precise forecasting of market needs.