Zeekr CEO Andy An mentioned, “We are actively proceeding with localization work in Europe, and we will make an announcement on it at the right time,” suggesting the brand is more advanced in its plans than initially thought.
This move is driven by the EU’s new tariffs on imported EVs from China. The EU has accused Chinese EV brands of benefiting from unfair subsidies and imposed double-digit tariffs on these vehicles, affecting both Chinese brands like BYD and Zeekr and European models imported from China, such as the Mini Cooper Electric and BMW iX3. Despite petitions from China, the tariffs have seen minimal reduction, making local production in the EU a necessary step for Chinese brands to avoid these tariffs.
Zeekr plans to utilize existing facilities within the Geely group or its European partners, rather than constructing a new factory. Andy An added that they are also considering local manufacturing in other regions. Currently, the group has Volvo Cars AB plants in Sweden and Belgium, and a London Electric Vehicle Co. base in the UK.
Source: Bloomberg