ELECTRIC vehicle （EV) maker Zeekr is banking on extra momentum from sister brands like Volvo Car AB to push into Europe, just as growing global trade tensions threaten Chinese carmakers’ ambitions for the region. The brand, part of billionaire Li Shufu’s sprawling auto empire that also includes a stake in Mercedes-Benz Group AG, started European sales of two models just weeks ago and plans to add another seven by 2025. Being part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. “is giving us an important head-start,” Zeekr’s Europe head Spiros Fotinos said. “Geely has established itself through Volvo, Polestar and Lynk & Co. — that adds a trust mark,” Fotinos said. Founded as a standalone brand in 2021, Zeekr in late June started sales of the 001 sedan and X compact SUV models, which compete with Volkswagen AG’s ID.7 and BMW AG’s iX1. To warm European customers to an unknown Chinese automaker, a team of more than 500 helps design its models in Gothenburg, Sweden. The efforts could help set Zeekr apart as BYD, Nio and Great Wall lead a range of Chinese carmakers taking aim at Europe. Zeekr’s ambitions may be threatened by souring trade relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen kicked off a probe this month into China’s EV makers, a move China dismissed as “naked protectionism.” Fotinos declined to comment on the investigation. The probe could hit almost US$7 billion in electric car and van imports, with tariffs possible by June, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. For parent company Geely, pulling off Zeekr’s arrival in Europe would help shape a hodgepodge of auto holdings and reap economies of scale. The Hangzhou-based company has been building European roots since taking over Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Co. in 2010, with its network spanning stakes in truckmaker Volvo AB to control of sports-car maker Lotus. It’s also finalizing a deal with Renault SA to pool combustion-engine assets. Zeekr’s 001 and X are made on the same underpinnings that also produce Volvo’s EX30 compact SUV and Mercedes’ Smart city car. (SD-Agencies) | 