Zeekr sets eyes on Southeast Asia: Thailand and Laos this year apparently, Malaysia to follow?

KUALA LUMPUR: A representative from Zeekr has announced their intention to initiate operations in Thailand, partnering with local distributors to start selling electric vehicles (EVs) within the first half of this year, according to Reuters.

This move is part of Zeekr's broader strategy to penetrate the Southeast Asian market, a plan that gained momentum following a previous announcement in November about the development of right-hand drive vehicles, targeting customer deliveries within the year. The company has also revealed plans for market entry in Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Furthermore, the spokesperson disclosed that Zeekr has inked deals with distributors in Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines, aiming to kickstart sales in these countries by the second quarter of 2024.

Zeekr, a burgeoning name in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, stands as a subsidiary of Geely, one of China's largest automotive groups, which also has Proton underneath its portfolio.

Currently, Zeekr's portfolio includes models like the Zeekr 001, an electric shooting brake that combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the sleek design of a coupe, and the recently unveiled ZeekrX, a luxury compact SUV that redefines style with its spacious interior and advanced features.

What makes Zeekr standout is its focus on delivering a superior electric driving experience, with a commitment to high performance, long-range capabilities, and fast charging technology.

Additionally, the brand emphasizes smart technology integration, offering features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), interactive infotainment systems, and connectivity options that enhance the overall user experience.

As the Malaysian EV market continues to grow, Zeekr's entry could significantly impact the landscape, especially if they bring their long range models which has a range of up to 620km (WLTP). Currently, the king of long range when it comes to EVs is Mercedes EQS 500 4MATIC, with a WLTP-rated range of 696km.

The combination of Zeekr's emphasis on performance, luxury, and technology aligns well with the evolving preferences of Malaysian consumers, who are increasingly valuing sustainability without compromising on quality and driving pleasure.

Moreover, with Malaysia's ongoing development of EV infrastructure, Zeekr's fast-charging capabilities will be a considerable advantage, making it an attractive option for those looking to transition to electric mobility. 

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