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Zeekr Plans Wider European Expansion, Weighs Hybrid Models to Boost Sales

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Premium Chinese electric vehicle brand Zeekr plans to expand into additional European markets in 2026, including France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain, and is considering introducing extended-range plug-in hybrid models in the region, a company executive said on Friday.

Lothar Schupet, Zeekr’s acting head of European operations, told Reuters at the Brussels car show that consumer demand in Europe remains strong for plug-in hybrids. “When we look at the European consumer demand, the plug-in hybrid segment still has a high share,” he said.

Schupet said Zeekr, which is a unit of Geely, is currently assessing market demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and expects to make a decision within the next few months. Introducing PHEV models would also help the company avoid European Union tariffs on Chinese-made fully electric vehicles.

In December, the EU softened its stance on the effective 2035 ban on fossil-fuel cars, allowing PHEVs — which combine a combustion engine with battery-powered driving — to remain on sale longer than previously anticipated. This policy shift could create additional opportunities for automakers offering hybrid powertrains.

Zeekr currently operates in 12 European markets and entered Germany in December. In some countries, it sells vehicles directly to consumers. Beyond adding new major markets, the company plans to more than triple its European dealer network to around 100 dealerships this year, up from about 30 currently, Schupet said.

Geely took Zeekr private last year, and the brand is widely regarded in China as one of the group’s most valuable assets due to its strong premium EV sales. Zeekr has already launched plug-in hybrid versions of several models in the Chinese market, the world’s largest automotive market.

The brand entered Europe just over two years ago and has so far recorded modest sales. However, Schupet said Zeekr aims to scale up its presence and become “a major player in the premium segment for sustainable mobility” across the continent.

Chinese Robotics Startup Unitree Targets $7B IPO Valuation Amid Tech Push

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Chinese humanoid robotics firm Unitree Robotics is preparing for a landmark IPO on Shanghai’s STAR Market, seeking a valuation of up to 50 billion yuan ($7 billion), according to sources. The company, founded in 2016 by Wang Xingxing, has gained global attention with viral videos of robots walking, climbing, and carrying loads.

Unitree confirmed last week that IPO preparations are underway, with a formal application expected in Q4, though it disputed reports on the exact valuation. If successful, this would be one of China’s largest onshore tech listings in years, underscoring Beijing’s drive to fund domestic “unicorns” and bolster self-sufficiency in robotics and AI.

The potential listing comes after a funding round in June that included investments from Alibaba, Tencent, and Geely, boosting Unitree’s valuation to 12 billion yuan. Sources say the company is already profitable, with annual revenue above 1 billion yuan, and poised for rapid growth.

Unitree’s IPO plans coincide with China’s heavy investment in robotics and AI to counter U.S. tech rivalry and address an aging population. The humanoid robot industry enjoys strong government subsidies and policy support, making Unitree a likely beneficiary.

The company’s targeted valuation would mark a sharp jump from its last funding round, testing investor appetite for humanoid robotics — a field where China is positioning itself as a global leader.

China Urges Cautious but Rapid Development of Assisted-Driving Technology

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China’s automakers are rapidly advancing assisted-driving technology, eager to capture a growing market. However, Beijing is pushing for a balanced approach—accelerate innovation but ensure safety and accountability.

Key Points:

  • Rapid Innovation, Careful Oversight: Chinese regulators are finalizing new safety rules for driver-assistance systems following a fatal crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 sedan in March, which killed three occupants shortly after the driver resumed control from the system.

  • Regulatory Approach:

    • China bans terms like “smart” and “autonomous” in marketing to avoid overselling capabilities.

    • Current rules allow automatic steering, braking, and acceleration only with driver engagement.

    • New regulations will require hardware/software to monitor driver alertness and control readiness.

  • Collaboration and Public Input:

    • Regulators worked with Dongfeng and Huawei to draft rules, with public consultation ending recently.

    • Plans to resume Level 3 validation tests this year after being paused post-Xiaomi crash; the first Level 3 vehicle approval expected in 2026.

  • Level 3 Ambitions:

    • Level 3 allows drivers to take eyes off the road under certain conditions—midway between basic driver-assist and full autonomy.

    • China has promoted Level 3 tests and aims to be a global leader in assisted-driving tech.

  • Industry Competition:

    • China’s automakers like BYD and Zeekr are aggressively pushing Level 2 and Level 3 tech, often offering features at low or no additional cost.

    • At the Shanghai auto show, Huawei and Geely’s Zeekr highlighted Level 3 readiness.

    • Traditional foreign automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen focus on advanced driver-assist features but hold back on Level 3 due to higher costs and liability concerns.

  • Safety and Liability:

    • New regulations hold manufacturers and suppliers liable for accidents caused by system failures, similar to recent UK legislation.

  • Strategic Context:

    • China is using this push to support its domestic auto industry, much like its earlier backing of electric vehicles.

    • Over 60% of new cars sold in China this year are estimated to include Level 2 driver-assist features.

Expert Insights:

Markus Muessig of Accenture Greater China notes that China’s “feel the stones to cross the river” approach—steady, cautious exploration of new tech—has been effective. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz’s CTO Markus Schaefer highlights the ongoing challenges with balancing cost and safety requirements for Level 3 systems.