For Javier Garcia-Gallardo, Director of Zeekr Shanghai Design Studio, driving is one of life’s greatest indulgences. And those who have hopped into his super-sleek vehicles can attest to this.
Chinese luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand Zeekr, which has delivered more than 300,000 vehicles since October 2021, launched in Singapore in August. It belongs to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which owns, invests in, and manages brands such as Volvo, Lotus, and Polestar.
Already present in the Philippines and Thailand, Zeekr has set sights on other regions in Asia-Pacific, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and Australia.
Zeekr cars are built with a Sustainable Experience Architecture, an open-source platform that can be shared with other companies. It features its own battery technologies, battery management systems, electric motor technologies and EV supply chain.
Garcia-Gallardo, who prior to this spent six years with the Geely Design Center Gothenburg in Sweden, was part of the team that designed Zeekr 001, 009, 007, and X models. Available since mid-July, the Zeekr X SUV is the brand’s first model in Singapore.
For Garcia-Gallardo, meanwhile, his work is all cut out for him in Shanghai, as he spearheads the creation of a culture that aligns with the one in Gothenburg.
The most salient distinction between European and Chinese markets lies not in the geometric or industrial aspects of Zeekr products. “Instead,” as he points out, “it is rooted in the different preferences for colour, material and human-machine interactions. China has its own great heritage of aesthetics, which I think, with modern interpretation, could become a new fashion in the future.”
ONE IN THREE NEW CARS REGISTERED IN SINGAPORE FROM JANUARY TO MAY 2024 WAS AN EV – NEARLY DOUBLE THE 2023 FIGURE OF 18.1%. HOW DOES THAT DRIVE YOU AS A CAR DESIGNER?
With EVs, we can achieve a greater interior living space with enhanced functionality. By integrating technology into this living space, we are also able to offer a new experience for users. EVs also promise the thrill of driving; what they lack in robust engine sound, they make up for it with an adrenaline-pumping acceleration. Above all, EVs also contribute to Singapore’s climate change and net-zero emissions efforts.
HOW DOES ZEEKR STAY AHEAD OF TRENDS IN EV DESIGN?
Technology plays a great role in EV design, with the focus on intelligent driving and a smart cockpit. With our design philosophy of “hidden energy” – where Zeekr’s Stargate interactive light panel is integrated into the front grille – we strive to create technology that is sensorial and perceivable. The Zeekr 007, which snagged a Red Dot Design Awards 2024 (Product Design) in May, was the first to embody this direction.
WHICH ZEEKR WOULD YOU PICK TO HELP YOU WIN MARIO KART?
I would definitely pick 001 FR. It is the best performance vehicle in our line-up, with only 2.02 seconds to accelerate to 100km/h and more than 1,200 horsepower. With this level of performance, I think there are big chances of winning Mario Kart or any race. If I could add another feature, I’d give it a more lightweight body.
IF YOU DIDN’T BECOME A CAR DESIGNER, WHAT PROFESSION WOULD YOU HAVE CHOSEN?
I decided to pursue a career as a car designer at the age of 17. My inclination towards design was inspired by my father’s profession as an architect. This profound interest in industrial design and architecture and my passion for automobiles converged to steer me towards car design. Had car design not been a viable option, I’d likely be engaged in architecture.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DROVE AND TO WHERE?
I spent 10 days during summer in Spain, my home country. I drove from Madrid to Tarragona and then to Galicia. I especially like the north of Spain – there are very nice roads and it’s not as warm as the south. Spain is a beautiful country with great food; you must visit!
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