In Ningbo, a city near the East China Sea, lies a factory with cutting-edge technology surrounded by verdant hills bedecked with giant wind turbines. This is where Geely Auto Group manufactures Zeekr, their luxury electric vehicle brand. The name Zeekr blends ‘Zee’ for Generation Z and ‘Kr’ for Krypton, inspired by its significance in comic lore.
Geely’s plant, operational since 2023, is 99% automated. Robots, guided by artificial intelligence, assemble the vehicles while human workers oversee the process. Zhao Chunlin, Zeekr’s Vice President of manufacturing and former General Motors employee, shares admiration for Western automakers’ historical impact but emphasizes China’s forward-looking approach.
Chinese consumer expectations, driven by a wide choice in the world’s largest market, push for continuous improvement. Zhao asserts confidence in Chinese EVs, stating even Tesla cars manufactured in China outperform American counterparts in quality.
A new trade agreement will soon see Zeekr vehicles reach North American shores. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping facilitated a deal for 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter Canada annually with lowered import tariffs. This aligns with trends in Australia and Europe where Chinese cars have gained significant market share.
Despite resistance from the U.S. government citing national security concerns, Chinese automakers like Geely plan to collaborate through joint ventures. Zhao downplays fears, suggesting a vast market holds opportunity for all players.
CBS News tested Zeekr’s elite model, the 9X plug-in hybrid, within the factory’s premises. Marketed as ‘China’s Rolls Royce,’ it mimics the Range Rover design, leveraging Geely’s acquisition of Volvo for a blend of European design and Chinese innovation.
The interior boasts luxury — leather seats, plush seating, premium sound systems from Britain’s Naim Audio, and advanced autonomous driving tech. The vehicle boasts swift acceleration and an impressive range of 745 miles on a single fuel and charge. Notably, it offers self-parking abilities, retailing around $70,000, half the price of rivals like Cadillac Escalade.
Previously overlooked, Chinese vehicles are now perceived as capable contenders, rivaling U.S. and European brands, particularly valuing affordability. Zeekr is expanding its exports to over 50 countries, with the 9X heading to Europe and the Middle East imminently.