Chinese auto giant Geely is reportedly set to integrate its Lynk & Co brand into the Zeekr division, as part of a broader strategy to concentrate resources on the rapidly evolving new energy vehicle (NEV) market. According to sources cited by state-run Economic Daily, the integration will see Zeekr take a controlling stake in Lynk & Co, with an official announcement expected soon.
This move follows Geely’s strategic shift, announced on September 1, 2024, when the company declared a transition from strategic expansion to a strategic focus on its core businesses. Since then, Geely has accelerated its brand integration, with Zeekr and Lynk & Co now becoming central to its long-term growth strategy. Lynk & Co, founded in 2017 as a joint venture between Geely and Volvo Cars, was one of China’s most successful young car brands, reaching one million sales in just six years.
However, the brand missed out on the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years. It only launched its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model this year, facing stiff competition from rivals, including Zeekr’s offerings. Zeekr, which launched in 2021, has surpassed 100,000 units sold in just over 500 days and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in three years, highlighting its strong market performance.
The integration of Zeekr and Lynk & Co is being driven by a need for agility in a highly competitive environment, as China’s automotive industry undergoes significant transformation. According to the Economic Daily, the merger is not a response to operational pressures, but rather a proactive move to build momentum for the future and focus on the bigger challenges ahead. The report also mentioned potential consolidation for Polestar, another Geely-owned electric vehicle brand, with Zeekr Chairman Andy An set to take over the role of Polestar’s chairman from Shen Ziyu.
In the January-October period, Zeekr delivered 167,922 vehicles, an 82.32% increase year-on-year, and is targeting 230,000 vehicle deliveries by year-end. Lynk & Co, which launched its first BEV, the Z10 sedan, on September 5, is also ramping up its electric vehicle offerings. The company filed for its second BEV model, the Z20, in China on September 13, which launched in Europe last month.
