Inside the new Zeekr dealership on Melrose Drive, Phillip. Photo: James Coleman.
If you’re struggling to keep pace with the swathe of new car brands pouring out of China, there are at least two you’ll get used to seeing around Canberra.
Where John McGrath Maserati once proudly stood on Melrose Drive in Phillip (near the service station), there is now branding for ‘Zeekr’ emblazoned. And in Fyshwick, Leapmotor has joined the Gulson fray of dealerships.
Zeekr arrived in Australia earlier this year with two fully electric models, the X “luxury urban cross SUV” and 009 “pure electric luxury MPV”. And it comes with grand backing – its parent company Geely is the same one behind Volvo, Polestar and Lotus.
Other models, including the 001 “luxury shooting brake” and Luxury Sedan, are on the cards too.
And if you’re wondering about the name, yes – the ‘Z’ is a reference to ‘Generation Z’ and the rest, ‘geek’.
The X starts from $56,900 for the single-motor, rear-wheel drive model and $64,900 for the dual-motor all-wheel drive. The latter offers a claimed range of 470 km and can get from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds – although not both at once.
Available with either six or seven seats, the $135,900-plus 009 only comes with a dual-motor that’s enough to overcome its nigh three tonnes of weight and get it to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Range is a claimed 686 km.
Both models are covered by five-year, unlimited kilometre warranties, while the batteries get their own eight-year, 160,000 km warranties.
Maserati has left Canberra and in its place is Zeekr. Photo: James Coleman.
A Zeekr Australia spokesperson told Region the brand aimed to “blend Swedish design and craftsmanship with innovative technology” and was “poised to reshape the EV landscape”.
“It’s the first time Australia will see a premium EV brand from China and we’re thrilled to introduce that to the market,” the spokesperson said.
“We’re thrilled to have opened one of our first dealerships in Canberra, a city leading the charge in EV adoption … Canberra’s commitment to sustainable transportation aligns perfectly with Zeekr’s vision and we’re eager to be a part of that future.”
Inside the Zeekr X. Photo: James Coleman.
Meanwhile, Leapmotor started in 2015 with the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) microchip designed specifically for autonomous cars. The first car came along in 2019, but things really got serious when Stellantis bought a 20 per cent share in the company in 2023.
Stellantis is the automotive conglomerate behind Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, RAM Trucks and Vauxhall.
For now, Leapmotor is selling just one car in Australia – the C10 SUV, starting from $45,000.
It comes with a rear-drive, single-motor powertrain good for a range of up to 420 km and 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds.
Leapmotor Australia head Andy Hoang told Region the C10 would be followed by the B10 electric SUV in 2025, “along with more products to be announced”.
“We see Canberra as a particularly exciting market given its reputation as Australia’s ‘EV capital’ and its residents’ appetite for new and innovative mobility options,” he said.
“We hope to play a key role in further accelerating EV adoption in Canberra, and across Australia, by offering practical, affordable and high-quality vehicles.”
The Leapmotor C10. Photo: Leapmotor Australia.
While it hasn’t announced plans to come to Canberra yet, another Chinese brand, Deepal, has also arrived in Australia with its electric SUV, the S07.
But at a time when EV sales are still slowing, the Federal Government has announced a plan to get them going again with $150 million worth of low-interest loans for workers earning less than $100,000 a year.
The loans, available through Commonwealth Bank, are also open to essential workers such as police officers, teachers, fire fighters and nurses, regardless of income.
The government said the loans would be offered at interest rates up to five percentage points lower than the standard rate, which could save more than $8000 in interest for a $40,000 loan repaid over seven years.
EV sales made up 7.4 per cent of all vehicle sales in Australia this year. Photo: James Coleman.
About 84,000 EVs have been sold in Australia this year, making up 7.4 per cent of total new vehicle sales.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) described this as a “disappointing result” and “well below” its forecast of 11.1 per cent.
“Growth in demand for battery electric vehicles is easing in markets around the world as governments remove incentives and consumers face the realities of making the shift which includes higher purchasing prices, availability of recharging infrastructure and models that meet their work and recreation needs,” CEO Tony Weber said.
He suggested the government take additional steps to support consumers by extending the fringe-benefits tax (FBT) concession for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which would come to an end on 1 April 2025.
“Increasing consumer demand for plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles shows consumers are prepared to move to low emission technologies,” he said.
“However, today’s announcement is a good initial step to support a small and specific group of consumers to make this step.”
Loading ...
