Beijing — Located on the outskirts of Ningbo, a prominent port city in China, a factory stands amidst verdant hills adorned with towering wind turbines that capture the strong winds from the East China Sea. This facility is where Geely Auto Group, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs) in China, is producing its high-end brand, Zeekr. The name combines ‘Zee,’ representing Generation Z, and ‘Kr,’ the chemical symbol for Krypton—the same element that drains Superman’s powers.
This factory, which commenced operations in 2023, symbolizes China’s ambition to lead the global automotive industry. Inside, advanced robotic systems equipped with artificial intelligence collaborate seamlessly to assemble vehicles, with automation reaching an impressive 99%. While human operators oversee the process, machines predominantly build machines.
Zhao Chunlin, the Vice President of Manufacturing at Zeekr, previously worked at General Motors and expressed his admiration for the long-standing legacies of American automakers like GM and Ford. Nevertheless, he emphasized that China’s focus remains firmly on the future, as he believes his company is poised to shape the auto industry’s next chapter and possibly outpace competitors.
Zhao attributes China’s leadership in the EV sector to the high expectations of Chinese consumers, stating, “We are the best because we have the biggest market in the world, leading to elevated customer demands. They want improvements and innovations in everything!”
When asked about the quality of Chinese EVs compared to their American counterparts, Zhao confidently replied, “Absolutely. Even the Tesla models produced in China are of superior quality compared to those manufactured in the U.S.”
Thanks to a trade agreement signed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in January during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zeekr vehicles are set to enter the North American market. Under this agreement, Canada will import 49,000 Chinese EVs in the first year, significantly reducing tariffs from 100% to just 6%. This reduction means Chinese imports could account for nearly 25% of last year’s EV market in Canada, competing against established U.S. brands such as Tesla, GM, and Ford. The lower price point of Chinese EVs enhances their attractiveness to potential buyers.
The situation in Australia serves as a cautionary tale for U.S. automakers, as Chinese vehicles have surged from 0% market share a decade ago to over 30% today. A similar trend is visible in Europe, where, despite higher tariffs on certain brands, Chinese EVs have increased their market share from 9% to approximately 14% this year compared to the previous one.
Could a similar shift occur in Canada? While it remains uncertain due to the distinct market dynamics and geographical advantages of U.S. manufacturers, the growing presence of Chinese EVs in Canada could signal future trends that may concern American automakers across the Detroit River.
Currently, the U.S. government has imposed stringent tariffs and bans on Chinese vehicles, citing national security and the need to protect domestic manufacturers. However, Zhao believes there is no need for apprehension regarding China’s automotive industry. He stated that while Geely has aspirations to sell and potentially manufacture vehicles in the U.S., such efforts would be pursued through collaborations and joint ventures.
Zhao asserted that consumers in the U.S. and globally deserve the benefits of the driving experiences offered by Chinese EVs. To underscore this, CBS News was invited to test drive the Zeekr 9X, the brand’s luxurious flagship plug-in hybrid model.
Often referred to as China’s equivalent of a Rolls Royce, the Zeekr 9X’s design resembles the renowned British Range Rover SUV. Following Geely’s acquisition of Volvo in 2010, the vehicle showcases a blend of European aesthetics and Chinese technological innovation.
Upon entering the 9X, one is immediately struck by its luxurious features, which include premium leather seating, a sound system by British luxury brand Naim Audio (also found in Bentleys), and advanced technology that supports largely autonomous driving capabilities.
The car operates almost silently, providing an exceptionally smooth ride. With the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (approximately 62 mph) in just four seconds, it boasts an impressive combined range of 745 miles on a single tank of fuel and charge. Furthermore, the 9X offers a remarkable self-parking feature that allows drivers to watch from outside.
Most notably, the 9X is priced at around $70,000—significantly less than a Cadillac Escalade.
Just a decade ago, Chinese vehicles were largely dismissed in Western markets. Today, they are increasingly recognized as competitive, if not superior, to many U.S. and European brands, particularly considering their pricing.
Zeekr is now expanding its reach, selling vehicles in over 50 countries and set to begin exporting the 9X to Europe and the Middle East this month.
Tucker Reals contributed to this report.
