An official from Zeekr, left, showcases the carmaker's 001 FR high-performance electric vehicle at its showroom in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
Chinese premium electric vehicle (EV) maker Zeekr has made its long-awaited debut in Korea with the opening of its first brand gallery in Seoul, seeking to establish a strong foothold in the nation’s increasingly competitive premium EV market, the company said Wednesday.
The company had signaled its entry last year after registering its local entity, Zeekr Intelligent Technology Korea. With the opening of its showroom, Zeekr is now moving to strengthen the identity of Chinese EVs following the successful debut of BYD Korea last year.
Zeekr has selected the 7X midsized electric SUV as its first model for Korea. The company plans to roll out the vehicle in the second half of the year, while at the same time expanding its retail footprint by opening more showrooms in key cities, including Seoul, Busan and Daejeon.
Zeekr's 001 FR high-performance electric vehicle is displayed at a showroom in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
The 7X, positioned as a strategic global model, is expected to compete directly with major EVs in the Korean market, such as Tesla’s Model Y, Hyundai Motor’s IONIQ 5 and Kia’s EV5.
“The 7X SUV is now undergoing the certification process by the Ministry of Environment,” a Zeekr official said during a media event.
“It still remains unclear when exactly the vehicle will be available for sale here due to the ongoing certification.”
BYD spearheaded the arrival of Chinese EV brands in Korea. BYD Korea began delivering passenger EVs to local customers in April last year and surpassed cumulative sales of 10,000 vehicles within roughly a year.
Initial skepticism surrounding BYD’s prospects has largely subsided, as the company has gained traction with strong price competitiveness. The carmaker overtook established imported auto brands, such as Volvo, Audi and Lexus, in sales only about a year after its entry in Korea, emerging as an undeniable threat to legacy carmakers.
Source: Korea Times News
