At the helm of Zeekr’s groundbreaking launch of the Zeekr 009 are some of the industry’s most visionary leaders. 安聪慧 (An Conghui), President of Geely Holding Group and CEO of Zeekr Intelligent Technology, leads the charge with a strategic vision for the brand’s future. Supporting him are 林金文 (Lin Jinwen), Vice President of Zeekr Intelligent Technology, who drives the company’s technological innovations, and 徐云 (Xu Yun), another Vice President, focused on enhancing the user experience. 陈奇 (Chen Qi), Vice President responsible for Zeekr’s intelligent driving systems, ensures the brand remains at the cutting edge of autonomous technology. 陈禹 (Chen Yu), Vice President overseeing international markets outside Europe, navigates the complexities of global market entry and pricing strategies. The session was moderated by 关海涛 (Guan Haitao), Zeekr’s Chief Marketing Officer, who ensured a seamless interaction between the executives and the media.
Strategic Pricing and Market Adaptation
One of the pressing questions addressed was the price discrepancy between the mainland and Hong Kong versions of the Zeekr 009. 陈禹 (Chen Yu) emphasized that the pricing strategy in Hong Kong is meticulously designed to navigate the local high ownership costs and the government's tax policies on electric vehicles. "In Hong Kong, vehicles priced over 500,000 HKD do not receive subsidies, which would push the 009's cost to over 950,000 HKD. To mitigate this, we set the official retail price for the six-seater and seven-seater models below 500,000 HKD, ensuring they remain competitive and accessible," 陈禹 (Chen Yu) explained
Meeting Demand Without Compromising Quality
As Zeekr's flagship model, the 009 features rare materials and advanced technologies, posing challenges for scaling production. 安聪慧 (An Conghui) addressed these challenges, emphasizing the company’s commitment to maintaining a no-markup policy despite high demand. "Despite the high demand, especially for the 009 Guanghui edition, we are committed to maintaining our no-markup policy and keeping prices stable," stated 安聪慧 (An Conghui). This approach highlights Zeekr's dedication to customer value and market integrity.
Expansion into Global Markets
Zeekr's global ambitions were a focal point of the discussion, with specific plans for the Hong Kong and Macau markets. 安聪慧 (An Conghui) elaborated on the significance of these regions, noting their high adoption rates of new energy vehicles. "We are introducing right-hand drive versions of our models, like the Zeekr X and the newly launched 009, tailored for these markets. Our goal is to ensure seamless integration of our products with local consumer needs," he said. Additionally, 陈禹 (Chen Yu) revealed plans to open multiple Zeekr centers across Hong Kong, enhancing accessibility and customer service.
Technological Innovations and User-Centric Design
Zeekr's emphasis on creating a superior user experience extends beyond the vehicle itself to the entire ownership lifecycle. 安聪慧 (An Conghui) highlighted Zeekr's commitment to building an extensive ultra-fast charging network, part of their "Three 800" strategy, which includes 800V products, batteries, and charging infrastructure. "Entering the new energy era, the charging experience is crucial. We are investing significantly in this area to ensure our customers enjoy a seamless and efficient charging process," 安聪慧 (An Conghui) noted.
Intelligent and Autonomous Driving
Addressing advancements in autonomous driving, 陈奇 (Chen Qi) underscored the company's progress. "Our current capabilities in intelligent driving are among the industry's best. We are continuously enhancing these features to provide users with safer and more convenient driving experiences," 陈奇 (Chen Qi) stated. He acknowledged the challenges of large-scale implementation but reaffirmed Zeekr's commitment to pioneering autonomous driving technologies.
Future Prospects and Product Line Expansion
Looking ahead, Zeekr is poised to expand its product lineup with innovative new models. 安聪慧 (An Conghui) revealed plans for additional launches by the end of the year, including the 7X and a large luxury SUV. These vehicles will be developed with both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations to cater to global markets. "As a global brand, Zeekr is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of customers worldwide," 安聪慧 (An Conghui) emphasized. As for range extender options, he firmly stated that "We do not rule out the possibility of range-extended models in the future, but for now, we are focusing solely on pure electric vehicles. We aim to excel in the luxury pure electric segment."
Conclusion
The Zeekr 009 represents a significant leap forward in the MPV segment, combining luxury, innovation, and customer-centric design. Through strategic pricing, technological advancements, and a clear vision for global expansion, Zeekr is set to redefine the standards of electric luxury vehicles. As the brand continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to delivering exceptional value and experiences to its customers, solidifying its position as a game changer as a sub-brand of a legacy automaker.
