Zeekr: Ute desirable, but more likely for Lynk & Co

Zeekr’s local product boss has largely ruled out a sexier version of the Riddara RD6 for the upmarket brand and suggested such a product might be a better fit for Lynk & Co, which sits below its parent in the Geely Group hierarchy. 

Speaking to carsales at the local launch of the new 7X, Zeekr Australia head of product Melvyn Low said it was “hard to say” if a ute – of any variety – would fit with the brand’s identity, before floating Lynk & Co as a more credible option. 

“I know there are some premium brands that have brought out utes in the past, but for our current line-up, I don’t think a ute would sit in our brand identity,” he said.

“But never say never. Anything’s possible from a design language and we already do have the platform from Riddara.

“Whether we could decide to change that to a Zeekr or Lynk & Co… there’s opportunities.

“I haven’t heard of a ute plan … I think it’s best for Geely or Riddara to focus on their vehicle first and then we can see how well that car’s been received, and if there’s an opportunity for a luxury version of that, potentially we can talk about that.” 

While battery-electric utes are still very much a niche product, there is now an increasing array of them surfacing overseas and being eyed for the Australian market, with everything from full-sized American trucks through to compact lifestyle models on the radar. 

The Geely Radar, aka Riddara RD6, is one such compact touted for an Aussie introduction, but it sure does seem to be taking its sweet time. 

Kiwi versions feature a dual-motor powertrain good for 315kW/543Nm and 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds – luxury figures by any standard – though its 73kWh battery only provides 360km of WLTP range… oh dear. 

Longer-range, single-motor (but slower) versions are available overseas, however it now seems our cars could actually be plug-in hybrids.

Whatever the case, Low said currently the Geely Group hierarchy – Geely; Lynk & Co; Zeekr; Volvo; Polestar; Lotus – and the younger, more lifestyle-oriented image of Lynk & Co would perhaps make it a more logical fit for an up-specced RD6 than Zeekr. 

“We will see – I don’t know when Riddara’s launching in Australia, but we’ll see what happens. 

“I think the ute’s a good segment to have, obviously with the right product and the right offering because it’s well-desired in Australia. 

“We have a limited choice of electric utes at the moment, but we have a lot of choice of SUVs and the other cars, so I think it’s just a matter of time (before the Riddara launches).” 

At the same event, Zeekr Australia managing director Frank Li told carsales the brand is aiming to introduce one new model a year and that it could cherry-pick a few select Lynk & Co models to add to its range without necessarily bringing the entire marque Down Under. 

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