China’s Auto Giant Makes BOLD Play as Trade Tensions Reach Boiling Point

Geely Auto just dropped a BOMBSHELL that’s shaking up the EV world. The Chinese powerhouse is moving to take its luxury electric vehicle unit Zeekr private – just ONE YEAR after its NYSE debut. This isn’t just business as usual – it’s a strategic masterstroke in the escalating US-China trade war.

“This is chess, not checkers. Geely’s playing 4D chess while others are stuck playing tic-tac-toe.”

EV Industry Insider

💰 The Deal That’s Turning Heads

Geely’s offering $25.66 per Zeekr ADS – a 14% PREMIUM over Monday’s closing price. Here’s why this matters:

• Total valuation: $6.5 BILLION power play
• Alternative offer: 12.3 Geely shares per ADS
• Geely’s advantage: Already owns 65.7% through founder Li Shufu
• Cash required: Just $2.2B to control the whole pie

⚡ Why This Timing is GENIUS

With the Trump administration threatening to boot Chinese companies from US exchanges, Geely’s move is like pulling the fire alarm BEFORE the flames hit. This isn’t just about avoiding geopolitical headaches – it’s about TOTAL CONTROL.

📈 Zeekr By The Numbers

While Q1 results are pending, Zeekr’s already delivering SERIOUS numbers:

• 125,250 vehicles delivered Jan-Apr 2025
• Two powerhouse brands: Zeekr and Lynk & Co
• Game-changing Waymo partnership for US robotaxis

“Taking Zeekr private gives Geely the freedom to make BOLD moves without Wall Street breathing down their neck.”

Auto Industry Analyst

🤖 The Waymo Wildcard

The $6.5 billion question: What happens to Zeekr’s autonomous vehicle plans with Waymo? The companies are already building a purpose-built robotaxi for US deployment, with integration planned at Waymo’s new Arizona facility. Private status could actually ACCELERATE this partnership away from public scrutiny.

🔥 The Bottom Line

This isn’t just another corporate restructuring – it’s a DEFENSIVE STRIKE and OFFENSIVE PLAY rolled into one. Geely’s protecting its $6.5B investment while positioning Zeekr to weather the coming storm in the EV market. In the high-stakes game of global auto dominance, Geely just went ALL IN.