Zeekr's Strategic Expansion: Leveraging Partnerships to Dominate Global EV Markets

The electric vehicle (EV) market is a battleground of ambition, where brands must balance innovation, scale, and global reach to thrive. Zeekr, Geely’s premium EV division, has emerged as a formidable contender with its 2025 strategy—a bold plan to merge forces with sister brand Lynk & Co, expand aggressively through agency sales networks, and capitalize on cutting-edge technology. This article dissects Zeekr’s multi-pronged approach, evaluates its risks and rewards, and assesses its investment potential.

The Integration Play: Zeekr and Lynk & Co Unite

In late 2024, Zeekr acquired a 51% stake in Lynk & Co, a Geely-Volvo joint venture, marking a pivotal shift in its growth trajectory. This merger isn’t merely about cost-sharing—it’s a strategic play to combine Lynk’s global footprint with Zeekr’s premium positioning. Lynk, operating in 39 markets, including Europe and Asia, brings critical distribution infrastructure and manufacturing expertise. Meanwhile, Zeekr’s advanced tech, such as its NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor-based autonomous driving systems, elevates Lynk’s product offerings.

The partnership’s first fruits are clear: combined 2025 sales targets of 710,000 units, a 40% jump from 2024’s 222,123 deliveries. Zeekr aims to capture the premium segment with 320,000 units (including the flagship Zeekr 007 GT and a large luxury SUV), while Lynk targets mid-range markets with 390,000 units. This division avoids internal competition and maximizes market coverage.

The Agency Sales Model: Scaling Globally

Zeekr’s agency strategy hinges on synergistic sales channels and international expansion:
1. Network Collaboration: Zeekr will dominate urban centers with its high-end stores, while Lynk’s existing network penetrates secondary markets. By 2025, they aim for over 200 global stores, doubling their combined presence.
2. Geographic Ambition: Zeekr has already entered 40+ countries, with Lynk covering 39 markets. Key partnerships like Israel’s Union Group and Kazakhstan’s Orbis Auto enable pre-sales by late 2024 and full deliveries by early 2025. By 2025, they target 8 overseas markets, including Sweden and the Netherlands.

Zeekr’s revenue surged 46.9% to RMB75.9 billion in 2024, outpacing Tesla’s 16% growth and BYD’s 21% expansion. Its gross margin improved to 16.4%, signaling operational efficiency.

Product Diversification and Tech Leadership

To fuel growth, Zeekr is launching three new models by 2025, including a mainstream sedan and two SUVs, broadening its appeal beyond niche segments. Simultaneously, it’s investing in 800V ultra-fast charging networks and AI-driven tech like the Zeekr RT autonomous mobility vehicle. Partnerships with Qualcomm and NVIDIA ensure its vehicles stay ahead in cockpit and driving tech.

Risks and Challenges

• Execution Risk: Achieving 710,000 units requires flawless integration of sales and production. A 2024 net loss reduction of 29.9% is encouraging, but profitability remains distant.
• Market Competition: Tesla and BYD dominate global and Chinese markets, respectively. Zeekr must differentiate through tech and pricing.
• Supply Chain: Relying on battery and semiconductor suppliers introduces volatility.

Conclusion: A High-Reward, High-Risk Bet

Zeekr’s 2025 strategy is ambitious but achievable, backed by robust financials and strategic synergies. With a 320,000-unit premium target and Lynk’s mass-market reach, it’s well-positioned to capture $140 billion in global EV sales by 2025. Its 2024 revenue growth (46.9%) and improved margins (16.4%) suggest scalability, while tech partnerships bolster its long-term edge.

However, risks loom large: hitting sales targets demands flawless execution, and competition is fierce. For investors, Zeekr represents a high-growth play in a sector where only the fastest innovators survive. If it delivers on its 710,000-unit goal, Zeekr could emerge as a top-tier EV player—making it a compelling, albeit volatile, investment.

Final Note: Monitor Zeekr’s Q1 2025 delivery data and international sales traction. A 100%+ annual sales growth rate in early 2025 would validate its strategy, while supply chain delays or pricing missteps could derail progress. Stay tuned.