In the era of pure electric SUVs, it is easy to follow and create a vehicle that is more “Model Y” than the Model Y itself. Chinese automakers have the engineering capability and cost advantages. But this is not Zeekr’s choice. Based on the actual needs of Chinese users, we must redefine pure electric SUVs. On the evening of September 20, after the launch of the Zeekr 7X model, An Conghui, President of Geely Holding Group and CEO of Zeekr Intelligent Technology, stated this in an interview with the Daily Economic News.
On the same day, Zeekr launched its luxury five-seat SUV, the Zeekr 7X. The price ranges from 229,900 to 269,900 yuan (38420$). This move marks Zeekr’s entry into the competitive 200,000 yuan (28470$) family SUV market. An Conghui stated that the Zeekr 7X aims to set the standard in the pure electric SUV segment. He added that Geely Holding Group will integrate its smart driving technologies to tackle future domestic and international markets. Zeekr 7X seeks to compete through differentiation. An Conghui believes that most pure electric SUVs on the market still follow Tesla’s product logic. They remain followers of the Tesla Model Y.
An Conghui stated that at the start of product development, Zeekr focused on differentiating through technology application and product innovation. Zeekr believes that classic non-fastback designs may be more practical and accepted by users. They aim to innovate based on precise user needs. The Zeekr 7X features a non-fastback design. It includes a “dome-shaped body” safety structure, intelligent child safety seats, rear seat packages, and rear screen packages for luxury configurations. The Zeekr 7X launched three versions: rear-drive smart driving, long-range rear-drive smart driving, and long-range four-wheel-drive smart driving. The official prices are 229,900 yuan (32720$), 249,900 yuan (35570$), and 269,900 yuan (38420$). Since pre-sale, orders for the Zeekr 7X have surpassed 58,000. In terms of pricing, the Zeekr 7X competes in a segment with popular models like Tesla Model Y, Leidao L60, Zhijie R7, and Avita 07. Competition intensified after some brands introduced five-year interest-free purchase plans and battery leasing options. An Conghui admitted that entering the family SUV market poses a significant challenge for the Zeekr brand due to fierce competition in the 200,000 yuan (28470$) SUV market. Lin Jinwen, vice president of Zeekr Intelligent Technology, emphasized that to truly surpass the Tesla Model Y, they cannot follow others’ paths. “Walking in someone else’s shoes and following someone else’s path while seeking their peak is unrealistic. You will always lag behind,” said Lin Jinwen. The goal is to challenge 230,000 vehicle deliveries this year. Notably, the ZEEKR 7X features ZEEKR AI OS and Haohan Smart Driving 2.0 across all models. It also includes the 8295 cockpit chip, lidar, and dual Orin-X chips. Chen Qi, Vice President of ZEEKR Intelligent Technology, stated that since the launch of ZEEKR 007, the company has accelerated the evolution of the Haohan Smart Driving system. An Conghui revealed, “Geely Holding Group integrates multiple smart driving routes. We are forming two main routes represented by ZEEKR and Geely Auto. ZEEKR focuses on high-level smart driving systems, while Geely targets high-value smart driving solutions. We have reached a strong consensus internally. These two smart driving solutions will tackle competition in both domestic and international markets.” Previously, media reported that Geely Auto Group was consolidating R&D efforts, involving teams from Geely Central Research Institute and various sub-brands, covering smart driving, cockpit, electronic architecture, and vehicle platforms. An insider from Geely mentioned that the internal R&D teams are highly specialized and extensive. On the day of the ZEEKR 7X launch, Geely Holding Group released the “Taizhou Declaration,” highlighting five key areas: strategic focus, strategic integration, strategic collaboration, strategic stability, and strategic talent. An Conghui told reporters, “Zeekr’s annual delivery target is 230,000 vehicles. This is quite challenging, but we are confident.”
According to public data, in August 2024, Zeekr delivered 18,015 new cars. This marks a 46% year-over-year increase and a 15% month-over-month increase. From January to August 2024, Zeekr delivered a total of 121,540 new cars. This represents an 81% year-over-year increase.