Geely’s Zeekr shifts into Italy as China’s European EV push gathers speed
South China Morning Post
by Cao LiFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Geely’s premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, Zeekr, has expanded its presence in Europe by entering the Italian market. Customer deliveries and retail openings are set to begin this spring, marking another step in China’s accelerating push into European EV markets. Despite facing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Geely is betting on the growing demand for high-specification models in key regions.
Zeekr’s entry into Italy follows its successful launch in Germany last December and aligns with its broader strategy to expand across Europe. The brand has partnered with local distributor Jameel Motors Italia to begin taking orders for its full model range. Lothar Schupet, acting CEO of Zeekr Europe, highlighted the significance of entering Italy at this time, citing rapid growth in demand for premium EVs and the ongoing development of charging infrastructure across the continent.
Since its founding by Geely, China’s second-largest carmaker, in 2021, Zeekr has been steadily expanding its global footprint. The brand made its European debut in 2023, starting with markets like Sweden and the Netherlands. Looking ahead, Zeekr plans to further expand into additional European countries by 2026, including France, Britain, and Spain.
This strategic move underscores China’s growing influence in the EV industry and its ambition to lead global sustainability efforts. As Chinese automakers like Geely continue to push into international markets, they are not only challenging established automotive players but also playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric mobility worldwide.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026