On the outskirts of Ningbo, a Chinese port city, lies a factory surrounded by lush hills and wind turbines. Here, the Geely Auto Group is aiming to shape the future with its luxury brand, Zeekr. The name Zeekr combines ‘Zee’ for Generation Z and ‘Kr,’ the chemical symbol for Krypton.
Inside the factory, operational since 2023, artificial intelligence-driven mechanical arms assemble vehicles with 99% automation. Zhao Chunlin, Zeekr’s Vice President of Manufacturing, previously worked for General Motors. He respects American automakers but believes China’s focus on the future positions it to lead the auto industry.
Zhao cites high local demand for quality as a driver of Chinese advancements in electric vehicles (EVs). With a vast market demanding excellence, Chinese EVs, he claims, outperform American models, even American-made Teslas.
Through a recent trade agreement signed between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zeekrs will soon enter the North American market. The deal allows 49,000 Chinese EVs to be sold in the first year, with Canadian tariffs reduced from 100% to 6%, potentially representing 25% of Canada’s EV market.
This expansion mirrors trends seen in Australia and Europe, where Chinese EVs have rapidly gained market share. Despite geographic advantages for U.S. automakers, the increasing Chinese presence in Canada hints at potential shifts in the North American auto industry landscape.
“The market is very huge,” Zhao stated, emphasizing potential collaborations and joint ventures in the U.S., dismissing fears of competition.
In a test drive at the Ningbo factory, CBS News experienced Zeekr’s top model, the 9X plug-in hybrid, touted as ‘China’s Rolls Royce.’ Blending European design, courtesy of Geely’s acquisition of Volvo, with Chinese technology, the vehicle features a luxurious interior, advanced audio by Naim Audio, and largely autonomous driving capabilities.
The 9X hybrid demonstrates powerful performance, going from 0 to 62 mph in four seconds and offering a 745-mile range on a single charge and fuel tank. It retails for about $70,000, roughly half the price of a Cadillac Escalade, showcasing significant cost advantages.
Once viewed skeptically, Chinese cars are rapidly perceived as competitive, if not superior, compared to many Western brands. Currently selling in over 50 countries, Zeekr plans to expand exports of the 9X to Europe and the Middle East.
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