In the unrestricted struggle over pricing and configurations within the industry, a few savvy players are emerging from this deep pit. They are refocusing on the most essential element of the automotive sector—manufacturing.
For instance, benefitting from BAIC Group's decades of systemic capabilities and the manufacturing experience of global parts/contracting giant Magna, Zeekr Motors possesses the lean manufacturing capabilities sought by most new energy companies.
On August 20, the BAIC Blue Valley Zeekr Magna factory opened its doors to the media, showcasing its advanced manufacturing standards and strict criteria.
According to reports, the BAIC Blue Valley Zeekr Magna factory has integrated Magna's MAFACT production system to ensure lean and efficient production processes. This factory encompasses four major processes: stamping, body, painting, and assembly, with an automation rate of up to 97%. This high level of automation ensures accuracy in the stamping of self-manufactured parts, body precision, and calibration of laser radar among other self-processing capabilities. Moreover, it also possesses intelligent driving calibration and testing capabilities, providing a solid foundation for the production and implementation of intelligent driving and connected vehicle technologies.
In terms of manufacturing technology, the BAIC Blue Valley Zeekr Magna factory has a flexible production line for steel-aluminum hybrid bodies, allowing it to produce both all-steel and steel-aluminum hybrid bodies to meet the production needs of different vehicle models. Additionally, the factory integrates digitalization into every aspect of vehicle manufacturing, enabling the entire production process and component information to be fully recorded. Even the smallest detail, like a bolt, can be controlled during the process and traced for its entire lifecycle. All data generated during the production of a vehicle is recorded in a database, with a minimum retention period of 20 years.
The management practices at BAIC Blue Valley Zeekr Magna factory are inspired by Magna Steyr in Europe. Every vehicle produced transmits real-time data for synchronized monitoring, ensuring Zeekr maintains exceptional quality.
Throughout the production process, the factory has established a comprehensive quality inspection network, covering everything from raw materials sourced from suppliers to process checks in the four major workshops (stamping, welding, painting, and assembly), culminating in final inspections of the complete vehicle and sensory checks from the consumer's perspective. This achieves a 100% coverage rate. The factory utilizes a total of 32 quality inspection processes and 1,400 inspection items.
Regarding equipment standards, the factory utilizes top-tier equipment from industry-leading manufacturers, such as welding robots, welding guns, and riveting guns, along with integrated painting lines designed by some of the world's foremost design institutes, ensuring precision and efficiency in body manufacturing.
The factory has also harnessed the operational experience of over 300 Magna plants globally, with a team of seasoned experts establishing a standardized quality management system. Even the emotional state of employees during the manufacturing process can be traced.
Amidst the "baptism" of the price war, the number of "consumer-grade" components in vehicles is gradually increasing, while the "automotive-grade" parts have become a luxury in areas consumers may not even notice. Zeekr Motors firmly stands against such practices.
In the first seven months of this year, the sales of new energy vehicles in the Chinese market surged by 38.5% year-on-year, maintaining a rapid growth trajectory. In July, sales of the Zeekr brand under BAIC New Energy rose to 8,017 units, achieving an impressive year-on-year increase of 329%, and surpassing the 8,000-unit mark for two consecutive months. From January to July, BAIC New Energy's total sales reached 38,992 vehicles.
In the first half of this year, BAIC New Energy launched several new models, including the Alpha S Pre-production Version PRO and the Alpha S5, further enriching the Zeekr product matrix.
As a former leader in the domestic new energy vehicle sector, BAIC New Energy has been diligently striving to keep pace with the forefront of smart electric vehicles, but there remains room for improvement in execution efficiency and market insight.
On the other hand, manufacturing technology is an essential foundational strength that should be widely promoted among car manufacturers, especially in today's diverse market of new vehicle offerings, where "promotion" is equally crucial.
As new giants in automotive intelligence, like Huawei, consistently make headlines, Zeekr, which has long partnered with Huawei in the HI model cooperation, may leverage this dynamic to its advantage.
Meanwhile, the neighboring Xuanyuan S9 is also illuminated by Huawei's influence; furthermore, Changan Avita, just next door, has recently invested in Huawei's subsidiary, Yiwang. Zeekr's next move is filled with possibilities.
