KUALA LUMPUR: It's long been rumored that Zeekr, an electric vehicle (EV) brand owned by Geely Automobile Holdings, which also partly owns smart EVs, would be entering the Malaysian market. Recent developments have confirmed that Zeekr's arrival in Malaysia is imminent. Social media buzz about a Zeekr X preview in Malaysia has added fuel to the fire, indicating that the brand's official debut is just around the corner.

Adding to the excitement, a report from China reveals that Geely's subsidiary has appointed Sentinel Automotive as its local partner to establish Zeekr in Malaysia. Investigative efforts by SoyaCincau, one of Malaysia's top-rated tech portals, uncovered that Karrus Automotive is the sole shareholder of Sentinel Automotive. The founder of Karrus Automotive, Mohamad Reza bin Abdul Mutalib, is also listed as one of Sentinel Automotive’s directors, according to their findings. Notably, Reza Mutalib is also the founder of Lotus Karz, the official importer and distributor of Lotus in Malaysia.

This connection suggests a strategic move said SoyaCincau, as Zeekr is positioned as a premium brand, akin to Lotus. Initially, there were predictions that Zeekr might introduce its 009 pure electric MPV first in Malaysia. However, with the recent preview and sightings of the Zeekr X on Malaysian roads, it seems likely that the Zeekr X will be the brand's debut model in the country.

The Zeekr X is a compact electric crossover available in both single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions. The Zeekr X offers impressive performance specifications. The single-motor RWD version produces 272 PS and 343 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, meanwhile, the dual-motor AWD variant delivers 428 PS and 543 Nm, achieving a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds. 

The Zeekr X also features a 66 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit. This battery provides a range of 560 km for the RWD version and 512 km for the AWD variant, ensuring ample range for both urban commuting and longer journeys.

Many of the Zeekr X's battery specifications and performance figures align closely with those of smart EVs, as both brands fall under the Geely umbrella. Notable features of the Zeekr X include power-opening doors, a high-quality 13-speaker Yamaha sound system, and advanced facial recognition technology for unlocking the door, enhancing both security and convenience. Despite its compact size, the Zeekr X offers interesting versatility by being available in both four- and five-seater configurations, providing flexibility to meet various customer needs.

If information about Sentinel Automotive is correct, Zeekr's arrival also marks the collaboration between Zeekr and Sentinel Automotive, backed by Karrus Automotive and its founder Mohamad Reza bin Abdul Mutalib. This partnership leverages Reza Mutalib's experience as the founder of Lotus Karz, the official importer and distributor of Lotus in Malaysia, to establish Zeekr's presence in the local market. With the Zeekr X's imminent debut, Malaysian consumers can look forward to experiencing another level of EV offering.

Also Read:  Zeekr EVs to launch in Indonesia this year; What about Malaysia?