Geely Automobile (HKG:0175) plans to begin producing premium electric vehicles under its Zeekr sub-brand in Malaysia next year, Nikkei Asia reported Friday, citing a company executive.

The Chinese carmaker could begin producing the fully electric Zeekr 7X midsize SUV at Malaysian partner Proton's factory as early as the first half of 2027, Zeekr vice president Mars Chen reportedly said.

Zhejiang Geely, which owns Geely Automobile, is also a 49.9% owner of Proton, the report said.

The company's decision to produce cars in Malaysia is part of a broader strategy to revive underutilized factories abroad and mitigate trade restrictions, according to the report.

Geely and Proton did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.

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