Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is a global mobility technology group headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Over the past three decades, Geely has developed a global portfolio of brands. The Group currently employs over 140,000 people around the world. Brands are Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Proton, Lotus, Geely Commercial Vehicles, LEVC (London Taxi), Volvo, Zeekr, and Geely Technology.
Zeekr Intelligent Technology is also based in Hangzhou, and the DVN team had the chance to visit. A Zeekr production center is in nearby Ningbo. Zeekr design HQ is centered around the innovative concept of ‘Superchain DNA’, aiming to foster an environment rich in vitality, efficiency, and a sense of cutting-edge technology.
Inside the cabin, a Zeekr feels like refined craftsmanship. Ambiance takes center stage, with intelligent technology. It is not about adding more and more technology but about how to do it better while keeping cost competitive. Every detail within a Zeekr interior is meticulously crafted to heighten sensory pleasure, making the cabin an extension of the driver’s personal space.
One core method, as stated by the Zeekr development team we met, is close work between design and engineering, to secure enough of any technology or design from the early beginning. Quality management alongside development is key, starting at the design phase, going forward to supplier quality, and receiving and acting on quick feedback after launch to allow immediate improvements. This holds for digital correction via OTA, but also for all the rest. Zeekr follow any requirements, with engineering always done in parallel.
Zeekr has 5 product lines, which develop all specifics per vehicle, everything which is not platform. They work in only one shift, with fast engineering, all in parallel. There’s the M line of family cars, the L line for young people and sports car enthusiasts, and the X line for successful executives.s
Software is centralized, AI is mostly used for products, as an on-call assistant. For seating the main areas of innovation are AI and Zero Gravity.
