29-12-2023 (SINGAPORE) Despite the high prices of certificates of entitlement (COE), motor dealers in Singapore are still eager to expand their offerings. Premium Automobiles, the retail dealer for Audi, has recently been appointed as the distributor for Zeekr, a luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand under the Chinese automotive giant Geely.
The agreement between Premium Automobiles and Zeekr was finalized in late December and plans are underway to establish a showroom for the brand in the Leng Kee Road area. Additionally, a service facility will be located in the Ubi industrial area. While the exact details of the locations are still being finalized, Premium Automobiles confirmed these developments in a statement to The Straits Times.
The launch of Zeekr in Singapore will feature two models: the 009, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), and the X, a sports utility vehicle (SUV). Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2024.
The 009 MPV is an impressive vehicle, measuring over 5.2 meters in length, making it larger than the latest generation Toyota Alphard, which measures just under 5 meters. While specific details regarding the models have not been confirmed by Premium Automobiles, the 009 MPV is expected to have a range of 800km on a full charge. Its dual motor configuration offers a maximum power of 400 kilowatts, allowing it to accelerate from 0kmh to 100kmh in just 4.5 seconds, making it the fastest MPV in the world.
The X SUV, with a length of approximately 4.4 meters, is similar in size to the Volvo XC40. In other markets where Zeekr is already operating, two versions of the X SUV are offered. One version features a 200kW motor powering the rear wheels, providing a range of up to 440km. The other version is equipped with a zippier 315kW dual-motor configuration, capable of covering 400km on a single charge. Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau will be the first markets to offer right-hand drive Zeekr cars.
In October, Zeekr announced its expansion plans and the appointment of Kam Lung Motor Group as its distributor in Hong Kong and Macau, with a commitment to producing right-hand drive cars. Zeekr already has a presence in several European countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany, and has plans to expand sales to the Middle East and Central Asia.
Notably, Zeekr joins other Geely-owned car brands already available in Singapore, such as Lotus, Polestar, and Volvo, which are distributed by Wearnes Automotive. The entry of Zeekr into the market follows a trend of Chinese EV brands making their mark in Singapore, including Omoda (represented by Vertex Automotive), Seres (distributed by Hong Seh Evolution), and GAC Aion and Neta (distributed by Vincar).
