Feb 19 (Reuters) - Chinese electric vehicle brand Zeekr will enter the Italian market starting from Thursday, the company said in a press release, the latest in a string of announced European launches.

Zeekr, fully-owned by heavyweight Geely Holding Group 0175.HK, will start deliveries of its four EV line-up and open retail locations in the spring, it said in the note together with its distributing partner Jameel Motors.

Calling Italy a "key market" in the brand's European expansion, acting CEO of Zeekr Europe Lothar Schupet said the timing coincides with rapidly growing demand for premium EVs and continued investment in charging infrastructure.

CHINA MAKES STRIDES

The brand, whose cars sell from around 38,000 euros to 73,000 euros ($44,680 - $85,833) depending on the model and the premiums, began selling cars in Germany in December and is present in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands, among other countries.

It plans to expand into more European markets in 2026, including France, Britain and Spain, Schupet told Reuters in January.

Geely, the closest Chinese rival to BYD, said in January that it targets global sales of over 6.5 million vehicles by 2030, aiming to rank among the world's top five automakers in an intensifying competition with established global rivals.

Chinese car makers have gained much ground in Europe, capitalising on lower price points compared to European rivals and helped by state subsidies in the continent as part of a push towards decarbonisation.

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(Reporting by Javi West Larrañaga; Editing by Matt Scuffham)

((Javier.West@thomsonreuters.com; +34 918 35 61 12;))