A Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer has officially launched operations in Italy, marking another milestone in the growing presence of Asian automakers across Europe.
Zeekr, a premium electric car brand owned entirely by Geely Holding Group, announced its Italian market debut on Thursday through a partnership with distributor Jameel Motors. The company plans to begin delivering its complete lineup of four electric vehicle models when retail locations open this spring.
Lothar Schupet, who serves as acting CEO of Zeekr Europe, described Italy as a “key market” for the brand’s continental expansion strategy. He noted that the launch timing aligns with surging consumer interest in high-end electric vehicles and ongoing improvements to charging networks across the country.
The electric vehicles carry price tags between roughly 38,000 and 73,000 euros, which translates to approximately $44,680 to $85,833 depending on the specific model and available features.
This Italian launch follows Zeekr’s December entry into Germany’s automotive market. The brand has already established operations across several European nations, including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Looking ahead, Schupet revealed plans to Reuters in January for additional market expansions scheduled for 2026, targeting France, Britain, and Spain.
Geely, which stands as BYD’s primary Chinese competitor, announced ambitious goals in January to achieve worldwide vehicle sales exceeding 6.5 million units by 2030. This target would position the company among the globe’s five largest automakers amid fierce rivalry with established international manufacturers.
Chinese automotive companies have made significant inroads throughout Europe by offering more competitive pricing than European competitors, while benefiting from government incentives supporting the transition away from fossil fuel vehicles.
