Doha, Qatar – February 4th, 2024: Blue Lake Motors, an Al Mana Holding subsidiary, collaborated with the premium electric automobile brand ZEEKR to host an exclusive preview event at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia. VIPs and media were invited to delve into the avant-garde design philosophy of ZEEKR, showcasing two unique electric vehicle (EV) models, ZEEKR 001 and ZEEKR X, providing an insightful exploration of cutting-edge automotive innovation. The half-day event, encompassing discussions, demonstrations, and test drives, provided participants with the opportunity to explore the future of Qatar's automotive scene.
The ZEEKR brand's introduction in Qatar aligns seamlessly with the Qatar National Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to propel Qatar towards a forward-looking and sustainable society. According to Fitch Solutions, the passenger EV market in Qatar is poised for robust growth from 2023 to 2032, following the government's announcement of electrification targets. In April 2023, Qatar's Ministry of Transport unveiled a goal to transition 35% of its fleet and all public transport buses to electric by 2030, as part of the 'Qatar National Vision 2030.' This commitment is projected to drive a 302.8% expansion in passenger EV sales in 2023, with an anticipated average annual growth of around 48% from 2024 to 2032, reaching an annual sales volume peak of just over 15,000 units. By 2032, the passenger EV penetration rate is expected to reach 20.4%.
Amid the global shift towards electric mobility, Blue Lake Motors assumes a leading role by presenting ZEEKR models that cater to a wide spectrum of customer preferences and needs. ZEEKR’s intelligent electric vehicles are intricately crafted to provide unmatched driving experiences while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact by minimizing carbon emissions.
Speaking about the event, Hisham Saleh Al Mana, Chairman and Managing Director of Al Mana Holding, said: “This signifies a monumental achievement for our group of companies. The launch of the ZEEKR EV brand is not just about providing premium electric vehicles to our customers; it's also a significant contribution to Qatar's pursuit of sustainable development goals. The vehicles from ZEEKR epitomize our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation, delivering luxury, and taking on environmental responsibility. This is more than a milestone; it's a bold step towards a greener and more advanced automotive landscape."
In Qatar, motor enthusiasts will have access to two distinctive ZEEKR models designed at Geely Design Centre at Gothenburg, Sweden: the ZEEKR 001 and the ZEEKR X.
The ZEEKR 001 adheres to the mandate of “No More Boring EVs.” As a holder of 4 Guinness World Records, it represents a difference from conventional electric cars, aiming to excite users rather than merely serving as utilitarian transportation. The ZEEKR 001 seamlessly combines sedan-like handling with SUV functionality, providing both drivers and passengers with a smooth experience across all terrains. Its 1.6m² arc-shaped panoramic glass roof offers exceptional thermal insulation, with an 82% UV insulation rate equivalent to SPF 50 sunscreen, ensuring comfort in any weather condition. The cabin is adorned with premium soft-touch materials, and the vehicle is equipped with a 4-screen system, 3-zone climate control, premium audio system, and customizable RGB ambient lighting, offering a personalized touch to the interior ambiance. Measuring 4,970mm in length, 1,999mm in width, and 1,560mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,999mm, it offers a generous luggage space of 2,144 liters, among the largest in its class.
ZEEKR X is a sport utility vehicle tailored for urban living and exploration. With its dimensions at 4,432mm in length, 1,566mm in height, and a 2,750mm wheelbase, it navigates city streets with finesse while commanding attention with its elegant design. The ZEEKR X boasts hidden sealing strips, frameless doors, and mirrors, achieving a seamless transition between sheet metal and glass. It adheres to timeless proportions based on the ‘golden ratio,’ as seen in art and architecture, making it an ideal companion for families and individuals seeking new adventures. The ZEEKR X comes equipped with a 50W wireless charging pad, soft-reading lights, and elegant rose gold finishes, ensuring both comfort and luxury are readily accessible. With a top speed of 200 km/h and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, the ZEEKR X delivers exhilarating performance. Moreover, it boasts top safety ratings for collision protection and cutting-edge features such as lane centering and automatic lane change for collision prevention. Entertainment and climate controls are seamlessly managed through a high-definition 14.6-inch screen.
Both models exemplify ZEEKR's steadfast commitment to pioneering the potential of electric vehicles (EVs). The brand prioritizes a fusion of design, performance, comfort, luxury, and safety. ZEEKR meticulously addresses local market demands through extensive road testing, covering over 50,000 kilometers to enhance battery and heat performance in the GCC region. This approach has garnered significant market acceptance, reflected in a remarkable 65% surge in unit sales during 2023 compared to the preceding year.
Cannon Wang, MENA Regional Sales Director, ZEEKR Global said: “In Qatar, we aspire to offer an extraordinary and imaginative experience to customers, aiming to establish ZEEKR as a premium global brand. We are committed to being a positive force in the transition from traditional to sustainable transportation practices within the country. ZEEKR's uniqueness lies in our meticulous design led by Mr. Stefan Sielaff in Gothenburg, Sweden, ensuring a beautiful, passionate, and distinctive design language. Our capabilities span various pillars, including innovative architecture, advanced battery technology, and a robust safety commitment, featuring intelligent driving experiences and advanced safety features. Collaborating with Blue Lake Motors, we bring years of experience, technology, and shared values to elevate ZEEKR into a higher echelon, working seamlessly as one team to realize our collective vision. Our commitment to user-friendly interactions includes Arabic language integration on the screen, along with English version voice control. Additionally, we've provided the phone function and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a wireless version for seamless phone functionality. I believe these advancements make ZEEKR a highly promising brand in Qatar.”
Christopher Preston, Executive Director, Blue Lake Motors said: “Launching ZEEKR in Qatar fills us with pride as we aim to offer a premium electric vehicle that provides customers with a genuine prestige experience. Beyond being a vehicle, ZEEKR is a transport solution that allows customers to express themselves through customizable interior finishes and unique exterior color choices, including bold colors like orange and beautiful tones of blue, green, and beige. ZEEKR prioritizes both design and function, ensuring a genuine prestige business and ownership experience. In terms of environmental impact, ZEEKR is a 100% electric vehicle with zero emissions, making it the cleanest option. With a battery range of 620 kilometers on the 001 and 440 kilometers on the X, along with a provided home charger, ZEEKR ensures a seamless ownership experience, promising the very best in customer service and a unique, environmentally responsible, and enjoyable electric vehicle.”
ZEEKR's introduction in Qatar signifies a significant step towards sustainable, innovative, and premium electric vehicles, backed by Blue Lake Motors and Al Mana Holding's commitment to excellence and environmental responsibility.
Starting in mid-February, car enthusiasts are invited to explore, and test drive the ZEEKR 001 and ZEEKR X at the Blue Lake Motors showroom located in Place Vendôme.
About Saleh Al Mana
Originally formed in 1952 to provide support to the industrial development of Qatar, the rapid diversification of the Mohammed H. Al Mana Group led to the formation of individual companies, each specializing in their field of expertise and operating independently, yet collectively comprising the strength of the Group. The Mohammed H. Al Mana Group embraces a policy of corporate excellence in all aspects of operations, promoting development in the region with a commitment to explore new opportunities on a national and regional level. From the inception of the Company, we have aimed for success at every level with a clear vision of supporting our principals and providing superior and quality products and services.
About ZEEKR
ZEEKR is a global premium electric mobility technology brand, aiming to create a fully integrated user ecosystem with innovation as the norm. The brand uses the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) and includes its own battery technologies, battery management systems, electric motor technologies, and electric vehicle supply chains. ZEEKR's values are equality, diversity, and sustainability. Its ambition is to become a true mobility solutions provider.
ZEEKR has its R&D center in Ningbo, Hangzhou, Gothenburg, and Shanghai, with state-of-the-art facilities and world-class expertise. The engineering team works on core technologies such as vehicle architectures, powertrains, chassis, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). They also collaborate with start-ups, innovation centers, and universities in Sweden and around the world to pave the way towards future sustainable mobility.