Aggravated sales for Zeekr 7X! The Chinese brand's Tesla Model Y rival evoking a robust response, with ambitions for a significant electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid expansion in Australia.
Zeekr Accelerates Australian Expansion with 7X Electric SUV
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Zeekr is gearing up for rapid-fire expansion in Australia, aiming to increase its dealer network from 11 to as many as 25 by the end of 2025. This ambitious plan includes increased coverage in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Brisbane and Perth, to support sales of the 7X mid-size electric SUV.
The first shipload of 500 7X electric SUVs is scheduled to arrive in Australia in October, with deliveries set to begin shortly thereafter. Early adopters of the 7X have been rewarded with additional incentives, including an extra two years of warranty and roadside assist, a 7kW home charger, a type 2 charging cable, a mini-portable 10 Amp charging cable, and complimentary interior and exterior color choices.
The 7X is expected to be Zeekr's biggest seller in Australia, outpacing the X SUV and the 009 people-mover. Achieving 400-500 sales per month for the 7X would make it one of the most popular EVs sold in Australia. The strong response to the 7X has already resulted in a wait-list.
Zeekr's international sales are primarily based on a distributor model, with only three national sales companies: Australia, Thailand, and Mexico. The 7X has been priced lower than the Tesla Model Y, adding to its appeal in the competitive Australian EV market.
Li, the vice-president of Zeekr International, emphasized the importance of the Australian market to Zeekr's global ambitions. In addition to the 7X, Zeekr is considering introducing the 9X and 8X SUVs, which will be plug-in hybrids. The 9X is a large luxury SUV with a PHEV system capable of 300km of EV running and a 3.0 second 0-100km/h dash. Less is known about the 8X, which is understood to be about the same size as a Toyota Kluger.
The Mix compact electric people-mover, while having cutting-edge technology, seems to have been all-but ruled out for the Australian market. Meanwhile, the 007 GT high-performance electric station wagon is under consideration for Australian introduction. The 001, previously Zeekr's best-selling model in the domestic market, has been surpassed by the 7X. As of now, the 009 has sold 74 examples.
This offer expired on August 18, but the two charging cables and complimentary colors are still part of the purchase deal until September 30. With its aggressive expansion plans and competitive pricing, Zeekr is poised to make a significant impact in the Australian EV market.
