Geely's 66%-owned unit, Zeekr Intelligent Technology, is introducing an agency-based sales model to boost electric vehicle sales in China's lower-tier cities, Yicai Global reported Friday.

While maintaining direct sales in top-tier cities, the new model will fill gaps in underperforming regions, according to the report.

Partners will manage sales, delivery, and service, with pricing and standards set by Zeekr. The first batch of pilot stores will launch in five cities-Huizhou, Linyi, Quzhou, Sanya and Urumqi-aiming to help Zeekr meet its 710,000-vehicle sales goal for 2025, YiCai Global wrote.

Meanwhile, Geely plans to take Zeekr private, enhancing integration and competitiveness by acquiring all remaining shares and delisting the firm from the New York Stock Exchange, according to the report.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)