Seoul: Premium Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Zeekr announced plans to launch its 7X sport utility vehicle (SUV) in South Korea, marking the company's debut in the local market.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the company made the announcement through its official YouTube channel but did not provide a specific launch date or pricing details. This move will be Zeekr's first overseas release of the upgraded 7X model. Zeekr, a premium brand under China's Geely Automobile Holdings, which also owns Volvo and Polestar, is making significant strides into the South Korean market.

Zeekr established a local business entity in South Korea last year as part of its strategy to enter the country's expanding EV market. With the introduction of the 7X, Zeekr will become the second Chinese EV brand operating in South Korea, following BYD Co. Zeekr Korea stated it is currently undergoing a certification procedure for the model and is in the final stages of preparations to introduce a vehicle tailored to local consumer demand.

The all-electric midsize SUV, built on a software-defined vehicle platform, is equipped with a 100-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and reportedly offers a driving range of up to 802 kilometers on a single charge. In China, the model is priced between US$33,000-39,000. The company also plans to establish showrooms and service centers in major cities.

The addition of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) 009, the shooting brake 007 GT, and the flagship SUVs 8X and 9X to its Korean lineup will depend on market response to the 7X, the company added.