Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, has initiated mass production of the right-hand drive variant of its Zeekr X SUV, marking a significant step towards its expansion into overseas markets. The company announced that deliveries of the first right-hand drive Zeekr X city SUVs are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year.
In a recent Weibo post, Zeekr stated, “Zeekr will fully enter the right-hand drive market as globalization continues to accelerate,” highlighting the strategic importance of this move.
See also: Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X Achieve 5-Star Safety Ratings from Euro NCAP and Green NCAP
The first batch of RHD #ZeekrX just rolled off the production line, ready to hit the road this summer! pic.twitter.com/zgsUpGECDz
— ZEEKR (@ZEEKRGlobal) June 6, 2024
While the Chinese mainland predominantly utilizes left-hand drive vehicles, several countries and regions in Southeast Asia, Commonwealth countries, and some island nations opt for right-hand drive models, making this production variation crucial for Zeekr’s international growth strategy.
Zeekr had earlier opened reservations for the right-hand drive Zeekr X and Zeekr 009 MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) in Thailand on March 25. The company intends to collaborate with multiple car dealerships in Thailand to penetrate the market, with local deliveries of the right-hand drive Zeekr vehicles expected to commence in the third quarter.
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Moreover, Zeekr is poised to enter the Singaporean auto market following a partnership agreement with Premium Auto inked on December 28 last year. The company plans to introduce the Zeekr 009 and the right-hand drive version of the Zeekr X in Singapore, with deliveries slated to begin in the third quarter of 2024.
In a bid to expand further into the Hong Kong and Macau markets, Zeekr signed a deal with local distributor Kam Lung Motor Group on October 26, 2023. While the left-hand drive model will debut in Macau by the end of 2023, the right-hand drive version is slated to launch in Hong Kong and Macau in 2024.
See also: Zeekr Sets New Delivery Record in May, Surpassing 18,000 Vehicles
Zeekr’s delivery figures continue to soar, with 18,616 vehicles delivered in May, surpassing the previous record of 16,089 vehicles in April. The company’s January-May deliveries totaled 67,764 vehicles, reflecting a remarkable 111.68 percent year-on-year increase.
Having gone public on the New York Stock Exchange on May 10, Zeekr currently boasts a market cap of approximately $6 billion, positioning itself as a key player in the global EV market, albeit below Nio’s market cap of $10.2 billion.
