Investigate
**Zeekr Under Investigation for Selling Previously Registered Cars as New**
Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle brand owned by Geely, is currently under investigation for selling previously registered or insured vehicles as new across several Chinese cities. The allegations, which have been substantiated by investigations and consumer reports, claim that since May 2025, "zero-kilometre used cars" were sold without transparent disclosure.
According to various credible sources, including the China Securities Journal and downstream reports, Zeekr marketed vehicles that had been previously registered and insured as brand-new cars through its direct sales network. Customers in several cities discovered their cars had prior registrations or insurance, contradicting Zeekr’s claims that the cars were new.
Some of these vehicles were insured or registered under third-party companies. However, Zeekr maintains that the vehicles in question were unregistered showroom display models legally classified as new cars. Although the cars were covered by mandatory traffic insurance during their time on display, they never underwent new car registration or received retail invoices and remained legally classified as new, unregistered vehicles.
In response to the public concern, Zeekr has established an internal task force to review terminal-level sales practices and will take corrective actions as necessary to enhance the vehicle purchasing experience and maintain transparency for consumers. The company also reaffirms its commitment to transparency and promoting a fair and sustainable business environment for new energy vehicles.
It is important to note that Zeekr maintains a zero-tolerance policy for activities that infringe upon consumer rights or violate business conduct principles. The brand opposes any form of behaviour that disrupts fair market order, including the resale of vehicles falsely labeled as new.
In a statement, Zeekr denies any improper conduct and labels vehicle status on online order pages for customer transparency. The company also appreciates public feedback and plans to enhance its communications and after-sales services.
Meanwhile, Geely is set to update its overseas driver EX5 electric SUV in China on July 24. These vehicles are sold with full disclosure of their display history, and buyers retain all rights of a first-owner new car, including warranties and user benefits.
Separately, Zeekr has announced that the Lynk & Co 07 EM-P lidar edition with Geely’s G-Pilot will launch in September.
This controversy has attracted significant media and government scrutiny in China, with official state media condemning Zeekr’s practice as deceptive and part of a broader pattern of inflated sales tactics in the competitive EV market. The issue has sparked discussion about potential regulatory actions to curb such practices.
- The controversy surrounding Zeekr's practice of selling previously registered or insured vehicles as new has raised concerns in the automotive industry, prompting questions about the transparency and ethical practices in the new energy vehicles sector.
- In an attempt to revitalize the image of the new energy vehicles industry, Zeekr has pledged to enhance its communication and after-sales services, and to take corrective actions to ensure transparency in its vehicle sales practices.
