Zeekr CKD in Malaysia: Why This Market Became the Brand's First Overseas Production Base

Core Data/Events ● Historic Announcement: Zeekr has officially announced that its D-segment pure electric SUV, the Zeekr 7X, will undergo local assembly (CKD) in Malaysia, making Malaysia the brand’s first overseas local production base outside China. Eddy Lu, General Manager of Zeekr Intelligent Technology Malaysia, stated that this move “reflects a long-term confidence in Malaysia as a strategic market”. ● Clear Sales Targets: Zeekr has set local development goals—cumulative sales of 10,000 units from 2025 to 2027, with a long-term target of 10,000 units annually starting from 2028. ● Production Planning: Production will take place at the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, developed jointly by DRB-HICOM and Geely, with Proton serving as a key anchor manufacturer. It is unconfirmed whether Zeekr will have its own facility or share with Proton. Industry sources suggest production could begin as early as 2027. ● Pricing: The Zeekr 7X is currently sold in Malaysia as CBU units in three variants: RWD Standard RM 182,800, RWD Long Range RM 193,800, and AWD Performance RM 230,800. CKD production is expected to lower prices. ● Service Network Expansion: To support local production and strengthen after-sales, Zeekr plans to establish 18 showrooms, 12 service centers, and 9 body and paint centers.

Industry Insights Zeekr’s Malaysia CKD offers three lessons for Chinese automakers going global:

“Policy Windows” Won’t Stay Open Forever: Malaysia’s CBU tax exemption termination, Indonesia’s import incentive phase-out—every market is shifting from “universal subsidies” to “targeted guidance.” Those who complete localization first will lead under new rules.

“Group Synergy” Accelerates Overseas Plants: Zeekr’s rapid CKD implementation fundamentally leverages Geely-Proton’s mature system. For brands without overseas roots, going alone multiplies difficulty and cost.

“Service Networks” Must synchronization with Local Production: CKD isn’t the endpoint—it’s the starting line. Without OEM sales and service networks, localization’s cost advantages get offset by after-sales shortcoming. Zeekr’s “18+12+9” layout is a replicable model.

Zeekr Malaysia CKD LocalProduction GeelySystem GoGlobal