Zeekr’s acquisition of a majority stake in Lynk & Co marks a pivotal moment in EV manufacturing. The integration is set to enhance production efficiency, cut costs and accelerate global expansion.
China’s Geely Automobile Holdings has reshaped its corporate structure, placing its electric vehicle (EV) brand, Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Limited, in control of Lynk & Co Automotive Technology Company. This follows a planned change in shareholding first announced in November.
Lynk & Co was originally launched in 2016 as a joint venture between Geely Auto Group, Geely Holdings and Volvo Cars. The restructuring sees Zeekr acquiring a 51% stake in the company, while Geely Auto Group retains the remaining 49%. Volvo Cars, also majority-owned by Geely, has divested its original 30% shareholding.
”The consolidation is expected to deliver significant cost savings and improve the competitiveness of both marques, particularly as Zeekr expands its international footprint”
Zeekr, which delivered just over 222,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in 2024, will now oversee the management of Lynk & Co. The integration is expected to bring operational synergies across R&D, manufacturing, supply chain and overseas distribution, positioning Zeekr as a stronger contender in the global EV market. Lynk & Co, which sold approximately 280,000 vehicles last year, has primarily focused on hybrid electric models but is shifting its strategy towards a greater EV emphasis.
With an ambitious sales target of 710,000 units for 2025, Zeekr plans for Lynk & Co to contribute 390,000 units, while its own brand will account for 320,000. The consolidation is expected to deliver significant cost savings and improve the competitiveness of both marques, particularly as Zeekr expands its international footprint.
The Ningbo factory and how Zeekr has become a leader in China’s automotive manufacturing
A short time ago, AMS interviewed Zeekr VP and Plant Director, Zhao Chunlin, to discover how the company is scaling production at its Ningbo factory, in South-Eastern China, to meet its ambitious global targets. The plant provides an insight into Zeekr’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Zhao highlighted that Zeekr’s Ningbo plant, a state-of-the-art ‘intelligent factory,’ is fundamental to this growth strategy. The facility, spanning 2,000 acres, integrates advanced automation, digitalisation, and megacasting technology to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enable high-volume, high-quality EV production.
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The factory’s dual-shift production capacity is set at 300,000 units annually, with a focus on flexible and agile manufacturing to cater to shifting consumer demands and supply chain uncertainties.
Megacasting plays a pivotal role in Zeekr’s manufacturing process. The technology improves structural integrity while reducing production time and material waste, with the Zeekr 009 being the first model to feature a large-scale integrated die-cast rear aluminium body. This has resulted in a notable increase in bending and torsional stiffness, ensuring both safety and performance benefits.
Beyond hardware innovations, the plant leverages a digital twin system that allows for real-time monitoring and optimisation of production processes. With 5G-enabled transparency, big data applications, and AI-driven automation, Zeekr ensures that its supply chain and assembly lines operate with maximum efficiency.
This digital-first approach extends to customisation, where the factory can accommodate over a million personalised configurations per model without disrupting workflow.
As Zeekr expands its global footprint, its focus on sustainability is equally crucial. The Ningbo plant incorporates extensive photovoltaic power generation, targeting carbon neutrality by 2030. This aligns with broader industry trends, where balancing production scale with environmental responsibility remains a defining challenge for EV manufacturers.
With the integration of Lynk & Co under Zeekr’s leadership, the company is strengthening its capabilities in R&D, supply chain synergy, and overseas market expansion. The emphasis on flexible final assembly, rapid technological adaptation, and smart manufacturing is contributing to positioning Zeekr as a leading global EV player.
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