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Zeekr Europe CEO Lothar Schupet says the company remains committed to growing in Europe despite tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and a newly announced cap on Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports. He cited the brand’s European workforce, suppliers and dealer network, but said details of the hybrid rules are still unclear.
Zeekr plans to keep expanding in Europe despite tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and a newly announced limit on Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports, CEO Lothar Schupet told InsideEVs. Schupet said the company would continue investing in the region, while acknowledging that the rules for hybrids remain unclear.
European and Chinese officials announced an arrangement to cap Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports at 350,000 vehicles a year, according to the InsideEVs report. The announcement came shortly before an interview with Schupet at the Paris Auto Show. Zeekr’s electric models, including the 7X, already face significant tariffs when imported into Europe, while its planned 9X is a plug-in hybrid.
Schupet said the company would not treat trade restrictions as a reason to leave. He pointed to European design, research and development, and corporate operations, along with partnerships with regional suppliers. The report also says Zeekr has about 200 dealers in Europe and plans to expand that network.
Among the examples Schupet cited was the 7X’s use of a Bosch advanced driver-assistance system. He described that as part of Zeekr’s work with European suppliers. The report says the 7X competes with the Tesla Model Y and recently received a mid-cycle update, including a new driver-assistance system and faster charging capabilities.
Tariffs Test Zeekr’s European Growth
Zeekr’s stance matters because European trade policy may affect both the cost and availability of its vehicles. Tariffs already present a hurdle for the company’s imported EVs; the announced hybrid-import cap could add uncertainty as it prepares to sell the plug-in hybrid 9X. The rules’ practical effect will depend on how the cap is implemented and whether it applies to Zeekr’s planned sales.
The company is also making a case that its European presence extends beyond selling imported cars. Local jobs, suppliers, partnerships and dealers may help it build commercial ties in the region, but they do not guarantee favorable treatment from policymakers. Schupet’s comments set out Zeekr’s position; they do not establish how European governments will respond.
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Zeekr’s Local Footprint and Models
Zeekr is part of Geely, the Chinese automotive group. The InsideEVs report describes the brand as growing its European business while introducing new products. It cites 200% year-over-year growth in Europe so far in 2026, but does not provide the underlying sales figures or comparison period details beyond that stated year-over-year measure.
The company is positioning two vehicles against different market pressures: the 7X electric SUV is subject to EV tariffs, while the 9X plug-in hybrid faces uncertainty following the announced import cap. Schupet told InsideEVs that the hybrid rules were still vague and that he could not yet state how Zeekr would respond. The report also disclosed that Geely paid for the journalist’s travel to the Paris Auto Show and provided hotel accommodation and some meals.
“We are long term committed in Europe, so we are committed to grow further.”
— Lothar Schupet, CEO of Zeekr Europe, speaking to InsideEVs
Hybrid Cap Rules Remain Unclear
The announcement sets out a 350,000-vehicle annual cap for Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports, but the report does not specify how the arrangement will be administered, how import allocations will be decided, or how it will affect Zeekr’s 9X plans. Schupet said the regulations were not yet clear and declined to state how the company would deal with them.
It is also unclear whether Zeekr’s European investments and supplier relationships will affect policy decisions or offset the commercial impact of tariffs. The company’s stated commitment does not settle questions about pricing, sales targets, production arrangements or the timing of any response to the new rules.
Watch for Rules and Zeekr’s Response
The next concrete development will be clearer information about how the hybrid-import cap operates and what it means for the 9X. Zeekr has not announced a specific policy response in the account provided. Schupet said the company would continue to invest and grow in Europe, but the report did not give new investment amounts or a schedule.
Readers can also watch for updates on Zeekr’s European dealer network, product launches and supplier partnerships. Those developments may show how the company is pursuing its stated expansion plan, while the final effect of trade measures on its vehicles remains unresolved.
Key Questions
What did Zeekr’s Europe CEO say about the company’s plans?
Lothar Schupet said Zeekr remains committed to growing and investing in Europe despite trade restrictions.
What is the announced cap on Chinese hybrid imports?
European and Chinese officials announced a limit of 350,000 Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports a year, according to the report. Details of how the arrangement will work were not provided.
Which Zeekr vehicles are affected by the trade measures?
The report says the electric 7X faces significant tariffs when imported into Europe. The plug-in hybrid 9X could be affected by the newly announced hybrid-import cap, though its practical impact on Zeekr remains unclear.
Has Zeekr explained how it will respond to the hybrid cap?
No. Schupet said the regulations were still vague and that he could not yet state how Zeekr would deal with them.
Source: insideevs.com
