China's Zeekr launches EV in Australia, eyes New Zealand next

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Chinese EV maker Zeekr's has begun sales of its first model for Australia - one of two slated for 2024 and both will also launch in New Zealand later this year as it seeks to make Oceania a key overseas market.

Geely's premium brand has made a promising start with the sport utility vehicle X, said Connal Yan, managing director of Zeekr Australia, adding that the X and the multi-purpose vehicle 009 have together garnered more than 2,500 expressions of registered interest.

Chinese EV makers have been enthusiastic about the Australian market as trade barriers elsewhere rise. Europe is poised to slap hefty tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, while they have been shut out of the U.S. market.

Although Australia is a relatively small market on a global scale with 1.2 million cars sold last year, it's highly attractive to Chinese automakers as it doesn't have a car manufacturing industry and is seen as unlikely to introduce protectionist trade barriers.

The government has also aggressively promoted the adoption of EVs since 2022 to meet its zero emission targets and bilateral relations with China have warmed after years of tension.

Zeekr is hoping that Oceania will become one of its biggest overseas markets alongside Southeast Asia and Latin America, said Yan, adding that he expects Australia's new vehicle efficiency standards, due to take effect from 2025, will further help drive demand for EVs.

It is planning to launch another medium-sized SUV - the 7X in Australia - next year.

($1 = 1.4870 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Stella Qiu in Sydney; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Edwina Gibbs)