Zeekr, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, is set to make its entry into the Japanese auto market later this year. The company plans to introduce its right-hand-drive models, the Zeekr X and Zeekr 009, marking its debut in Japan as the second Chinese brand after BYD to sell passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the country.
Recently, Zeekr vice president Zhao Chunlin shared images on Weibo showcasing the Zeekr X spotted on the streets of Japan. This move comes as Zeekr prepares to launch its vehicles in the Japanese market in 2025. The company has already developed right-hand drive versions of the Zeekr X and Zeekr 009, which are currently available in markets like Thailand.
The decision to enter the Japanese market was confirmed by a Zeekr spokesperson in August 2024, with plans to start delivering vehicles in Japan the following year. Zeekr aims to offer its Zeekr X and Zeekr 009 models as the first options for Japanese consumers.
One notable difference between the models for the Chinese and Japanese markets is the use of right-hand drive versions in Japan, as opposed to left-hand drive models in China. This adjustment ensures that Zeekr’s vehicles are tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Japanese market.
Zeekr’s move follows in the footsteps of BYD, which officially entered the Japanese passenger car market in 2022. BYD introduced its Atto 3 (Yuan Plus in China) as its first passenger car in Japan, signaling its presence in a market dominated by international auto giants like Toyota and Honda.
As Zeekr gears up for its entry into Japan, the company is poised to offer consumers a range of electric vehicles that combine innovative technology with sustainable mobility solutions. With the launch of the Zeekr X and Zeekr 009 in Japan, Zeekr is set to make a significant impact in the country’s evolving EV market.
Overall, Zeekr’s expansion into Japan represents a strategic move to enhance its global presence and offer consumers a diverse selection of electric vehicles that prioritize performance, efficiency, and sustainability. As the company prepares to launch its models in Japan, the automotive industry eagerly anticipates the arrival of Zeekr’s cutting-edge EVs on Japanese roads.
