TL;DR
Get business pricing on garage and car supplies
- Business-only prices and quantity discounts
- Tax-exempt purchasing
- Multiple users, one account, clear invoices
Zeekr Europe CEO Lothar Schupet says the company remains committed to expanding in Europe despite existing tariffs on its electric vehicles and a newly announced annual cap on Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports. He said the rules around hybrids remain unclear; Zeekr has not explained how it would respond if the cap affects its plans for the 9X.
Zeekr Europe CEO Lothar Schupet says the Chinese automaker will keep investing and expanding in Europe despite tariffs on its electric vehicles and a newly announced annual cap on Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports. The policy details remain unsettled, and Schupet said Zeekr has not yet determined how it would respond to the hybrid rules.
In an interview with InsideEVs at the Paris Auto Show, Schupet said Zeekr would adapt to trade barriers, pointing to its experience with tariffs on imported electric vehicles such as the 7X. He described the hybrid discussions as vague and said the regulations were not yet clear enough for him to state how the company would deal with them.
European and Chinese officials had announced an agreement to cap Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports at 350,000 vehicles a year. The report says the cap comes as Zeekr prepares to launch the 9X, a high-powered plug-in hybrid, while its 7X already faces tariffs. The available information does not specify how the cap would be allocated among automakers or what it would mean for Zeekr’s planned sales.
Schupet said Zeekr has European design, research and development, and corporate operations, along with a supplier network and a dealer footprint of 200 outlets that the company plans to expand. He cited the 7X’s use of a Bosch advanced driver-assistance system as an example of its local commercial links. The report also states that Zeekr’s European business grew 200% year over year so far in 2026; it does not provide a sales baseline or further detail on the measure.
Trade Rules Test Zeekr’s Europe Strategy
The dispute affects how quickly Zeekr can expand its lineup and sales in a major automotive market. Tariffs can raise the cost of imported vehicles, while an import cap could limit the number of qualifying hybrids entering the region. That combination may complicate plans for the 7X and 9X, although the final impact on either model is not yet known.
Zeekr is also making the case that its European presence extends beyond importing cars. Its stated investments, suppliers, technical partnerships and dealers could matter to policymakers weighing the costs and benefits of Chinese automakers operating in Europe. Schupet’s comments set out the company’s position; they do not establish how European governments will respond or whether local activity will change trade policy.
Products Worth Considering
Innova SD35 OBD2 Scanner for All-System Vehicle Diagnostics
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, 1/4 Inch High Torque Brushless 3-Speed Cordless with LED Light, Extended Runtime (DCF845B)
Chemical Guys 16-Piece Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit with Foam Cannon & Bucket
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Tariffs Already Affect Zeekr EVs
European restrictions on Chinese vehicles have been tightening, according to the source report. Zeekr already pays tariffs on electric vehicles it imports, including the 7X, an electric SUV positioned as an alternative to the Tesla Model Y. The report says the 7X received a mid-cycle update that included faster charging and a Bosch driver-assistance system.
The new agreement concerning hybrids and plug-in hybrids adds a separate policy issue as Zeekr introduces the 9X. The report frames European trade measures as part of wider concern about the competitiveness of domestic automakers against Chinese brands. That is the article’s analysis of the political backdrop, not a statement that officials adopted the cap for one stated reason.
“We are long term committed in Europe, so we are committed to grow further.”
— Lothar Schupet, Zeekr Europe CEO, speaking to InsideEVs
Hybrid Cap’s Practical Impact Is Unknown
The agreement’s implementation details are not given in the source report. It is unclear how the annual cap would be distributed, when it would take effect, how it would apply to individual manufacturers, or whether it could directly constrain Zeekr’s 9X launch or sales. Schupet said he could not yet state how the company would deal with the rules.
The report also does not provide the value of the tariffs Zeekr pays on its EVs, explain whether the company is considering changes to production or sourcing, or detail how its stated European growth figure was calculated. The growth figure is attributed to the report and should not be read as a forecast.
Watch for Rules and Zeekr’s Response
The next key development is clarification of the hybrid-import agreement: its timetable, allocation method and application to manufacturers. Those details will help establish whether it changes Zeekr’s plans for the 9X or other plug-in hybrids.
Zeekr says it intends to grow its European dealer network and continue investing, but Schupet gave no new investment total, production plan or specific timetable in the interview. The company’s response may become clearer once the rules are published and their effect on imports can be assessed.
Key Questions
What did Zeekr’s Europe CEO say about tariffs?
Lothar Schupet said Zeekr would continue operating and growing in Europe, pointing to its experience dealing with tariffs on imported electric vehicles.
What is the announced hybrid-import cap?
The report says European and Chinese officials announced a cap of 350,000 Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports annually. Its allocation and implementation details are not provided.
Could the cap affect Zeekr’s 9X?
The 9X is a plug-in hybrid, so the cap could be relevant. But the report does not establish how the agreement applies to the model or whether it will limit Zeekr’s sales.
How is Zeekr establishing a presence in Europe?
Schupet cited European design, research and development, corporate operations, suppliers and a dealer network of 200 outlets, which the company plans to grow.
Source: insideevs.com
