Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, has announced a new partnership aimed at expanding its international presence into Africa. The company signed a partnership agreement with Egyptian International Motors (EIM Group) to collaboratively explore opportunities in the Egyptian market.
The agreement includes the establishment of a sales and service network in Egypt, intended to enhance the high-end driving experience for local consumers. Initially, Zeekr plans to introduce its Zeekr 001 shooting brake and the Zeekr X urban SUV in Egypt, with intentions to roll out additional models in the future. The company’s first local store is set to open in Cairo by the end of 2024.
Egypt is recognized as the second-largest automotive market in Africa, with the government actively promoting the EV sector amid increasing demand for China-made electric vehicles, as noted in Zeekr’s announcement. The company has already established a presence in over 35 mainstream international markets, including Sweden, Australia, Thailand, the UAE, Singapore, and Mexico.
Founded in March 2021, Zeekr launched its first model, the Zeekr 001, in April of the same year, with deliveries commencing in October. In April 2023, the company unveiled its European strategy and began its expansion into international markets, starting with the Netherlands and Sweden.
In addition to the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X, Zeekr’s current lineup in China includes the Zeekr 007 sedan, Zeekr 009 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), Zeekr 7X SUV, and the recently launched Zeekr Mix, which debuted on October 23. All these models are battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with the Zeekr Mix featuring a design that does not fit strictly into the SUV or MPV categories.
Looking ahead, Zeekr plans to introduce a flagship SUV in the second half of 2025, which will offer new electric-hybrid powertrain technology, according to Geely Holding Group president and Zeekr CEO Andy An.
In September, Zeekr achieved a record delivery of 21,333 vehicles, surpassing its previous record of 20,106 vehicles in June. The company also delivered a total of 55,003 vehicles in the third quarter, marking a 51.13 percent increase year-on-year and a slight uptick of 0.35 percent from the second quarter. Zeekr is expected to report its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024 on Thursday, November 14, before the US markets open.
