Chinese electric vehicle maker Zeekr has signed dealer agreements to enter the South Korean automotive market, becoming the latest Chinese EV brand to expand into the country following the entry of rivals such as BYD.
Zeekr said it signed agreements at its Hangzhou headquarters with four South Korean distributors — ZK Mobility, Iron EV, H Mobility ZK and KCC Mobility — marking the formal foundation of its retail and service network in the country. The company said its partners have experience in distributing luxury imported vehicles and have established local sales and aftersales capabilities.
See also: Zeekr Group Posts Record 63,902 November Deliveries on Brand-Led Growth
Through the new dealer network, Zeekr plans to open its first showrooms in major metropolitan areas including Seoul as early as the first quarter of next year and begin official sales, South Korea’s Aju Daily reported. The report added that Zeekr set up its South Korean subsidiary in February and appointed a former Audi Korea executive as its local representative to oversee preparations for market entry.
Zeekr’s first model in South Korea is expected to be the Zeekr 7X, a midsize battery-electric SUV positioned against Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. Launched in China in September 2024 as Zeekr’s second mainstream model after the Zeekr 007 sedan, the 7X received an updated version on Oct. 28 featuring a 900-volt high-voltage architecture aimed at enabling faster charging.
See also: Zeekr Group Posts Record 63,902 November Deliveries on Brand-Led Growth
The South Korea expansion comes as Zeekr reports improving delivery momentum. Brand deliveries reached a record 28,843 vehicles in November, up 6.78% from a year earlier and 34.64% higher than October, reversing three consecutive months of annual declines. From January through November, Zeekr delivered 193,866 vehicles, down 0.55% year-on-year.
Earlier this month, Zeekr also entered Germany, Europe’s largest car market, with three battery-electric models priced from 37,990 euros ($44,065). The German lineup includes the compact Zeekr X, the midsize Zeekr 7X and the flagship Zeekr 001 shooting brake, with base prices rising to 59,990 euros for the top model. All three qualify for Germany’s company car tax incentive and feature German-language infotainment systems.
