News

Zeekr will manufacture cars in Europe

Since the EU announced that it is introducing new tariffs on imported electric cars from China, Chinese companies have started to consider manufacturing their cars on European soil. One of those that hasn’t done it yet is Zeekr.

“We are actively working on the localization of the work in Europe, we will make an announcement in due course,” said Zeekr director Andy An. This means that the company’s plans are already at an advanced stage.

Zeekr currently offers several of its cars on the European market such as Zeekr 001, Zeekr 001 FR and Zeekr 007. Unlike other Chinese manufacturers, production in Europe will not be a problem for this Chinese company since it is owned by Geely Automobile Holdings, which owns several European manufacturers (Volvo Cars, Lotus Cars Limited, Smart). Plants in Sweden and Belgium will soon start production of the Volvo EX30 based on the SEA platform (Sustainable Experience Architecture) developed by Zeekr, so these plants could be potential production sites for Zeekr cars.

Zeekr has big plans for the future, and expanding to other markets and creating a stable business are priorities. Recently, a refreshed edition of the 009 van arrived on the market, which, together with the Zeekr X crossover, was marketed in Thailand and Hong Kong. Also, there’s the Zeekr 7X as a rival to the Tesla Model Y.

Source: Bloomberg

News

Smart is considering returning the Roadster to its fleet

Between 2002 and 2005, Smart produced a two-seater sports car, the Smart Roadster, and approximately 43,000 units left the production line before the model was discontinued. Two decades later, rumors surfaced of its return as an all-electric car.

“A colleague created the first drawings of the new Roadster. We have three great cars, and none of them are Roadsters. But why not? If we produce a Roadster, be sure that it will be very compact and a two-seater,” said the CEO of smart Europe GmbH Dirk Adelmann.

The idea of ​​returning Rosadster to the fleet appeared four years ago, and in the meantime the Chinese company Geely bought 50% of Smart. However, the manufacturer did not give up the idea of ​​starting the production of this model, so we could see its production version soon.

Smart in its fleet currently has models #1, #3 and #5, and soon a new generation of ForTwo models could arrive on the market, if the company finds a partner. The car should be built on the ECA (Electric Compact Architecture) platform, and entering this “adventure” is a big financial pressure for the German company, so the search for a partner is ongoing.

Source: Smart

Auctions

1957 BMW 503 Series I Cabriolet is up for auction

At the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show BMW revealed a two-door 2+2 gran turismo, the BMW 503, which was produced until 1959 as Series I (until 1957) and Series II. Production was suspended due to huge financial losses, and only 413 cars left the production lines, 139 of which were Cabriolets. One Series I car, the 1957 BMW 503 Series I Cabriolet is up for auction.

This car is one of only 78 Cabriolets from Series I and was purchased new in 1957 in the United States with chassis number 69091. From October 2018 to July 2023 the car was fully restored by Hoffes Restorations and EBS Engineering in the Netherlands. The restoration included painting in BMW Fjord Blue complemented by a Blue Sonnenland convertible hood with Cognac upholstery, and the total work cost more than €125,000.

The car is in excellent condition and is a good opportunity for collectors to enrich their collections. It is equipped with an aluminum/magnesium body, bonnet, doors and bootlid, a mirror on the driver’s side, and a dark blue canvas roof. Inside, the front seats are upholstered in brown leather that also covers the door panels, rear bench and upper part of the dashboard, with matching carpets.

Under the bonnet is a 3.2-L V8 engine with 140 bhp (104 kW) and 164 lb-ft (222 Nm) of torque, and after inspection BMW Classic has confirmed the engine number is matching.

This BMW 503 is estimated at €300,000 – €400,000 EUR. The auction will take place on July 27, 2024 at Gut Kaltenbrunn on Lake Tegernsee, Germany.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

1957 BMW 503 Series I Cabriolet is up for auction

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