Let’s first take a look at the delivery order information of Zeekr 001, the sole product of Zeekr, in April 2022:
- Zeekr delivered 2,137 units of Zeekr 001 in April 2022, with a month-on-month growth rate of 19% (1,795 units delivered in March);
- Since its release in April 2021, Zeekr 001 has delivered a total of 16,385 units.
With only one product, Zeekr 001, starting at a price of 299,000 RMB, Zeekr is under great delivery pressure against the backdrop of the rising cost of components and power batteries in the auto industry in 2022, as well as the production shutdown due to COVID-19 in Shanghai, a major auto hub. Surprisingly, despite the continuous delivery and software issues since its launch, the good mechanical quality and high cost performance of the vehicle have led many potential car owners to hold the mentality of “ordering at the right time” – not because the car is not good, or they don’t want it, but they are waiting for the right opportunity.
Zeekr announced its pricing adjustment plan for May in early April. For the main delivery of the long-range single/dual-motor WE version, the main increase is the “expansion equity of canceling RMB 5,000 to offset RMB 10,000”. The vehicles can still enjoy the national subsidies for new energy vehicles, despite the price increase, which has turned the “potential car owners” who were waiting for Zeekr 001 into actual car buyers, resulting in an increase in delivery and ordering data in the downturn of the industry context in April. As Shanghai gradually resumes work, the predicament of unable to produce ordered vehicles due to lack of parts may be consumed by the slightly extended delivery period. Whether Zeekr can properly address the pressure of the supply chain and costs and maintain a stable growth trend remains to be seen in the performance in the next few months.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.