Chinese automaker Geely Auto has made a bid to take its luxury electric vehicle (EV) unit Zeekr private, just a year after the company's debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). According to Zeekr filings, Geely has offered to pay $25.66 per American Depository Receipt (ADS), or $2.566 per ordinary share, valuing the company at $6.5 billion.

The move comes as the Trump administration explores ways to delist Chinese companies from US stock exchanges, part of a broader trade war between the two nations. The trade tensions have led to a tariff quagmire, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other's goods. Geely's bid to take Zeekr private may be seen as a strategic move to avoid potential geopolitical awkwardness and maintain control over its luxury EV unit.

Geely already owns 65.7% of Zeekr through its founder Li Shufu, which means the company would only need to pay out roughly $2.2 billion to acquire the remaining shares. This deal would allow Geely to help Zeekr absorb the market blows that come with being an EV startup in a competitive market and protect its investment. Zeekr has yet to report its first-quarter results, but the company has delivered a total of 125,250 vehicles across its two brands – Zeekr and Lynk & Co – in the first four months of 2025.

Zeekr has been working with autonomous vehicle company Waymo to build a purpose-built robotaxi for large-scale deployment in the US. While neither company has confirmed whether Geely's bid to take Zeekr private would affect their working relationship, Waymo earlier this week shared plans to integrate its self-driving system into the Zeekr vehicle at its new Arizona facility later this year. The partnership highlights Zeekr's commitment to innovation and its potential for growth in the EV market.

The proposed deal has significant implications for the EV industry, particularly in the context of the ongoing trade war between the US and China. As the global EV market continues to grow, companies like Zeekr and Geely are likely to play a major role in shaping the industry's future. By taking Zeekr private, Geely may be able to better navigate the complex regulatory landscape and protect its interests in the US market.

In conclusion, Geely's bid to take Zeekr private is a strategic move that reflects the company's commitment to its luxury EV unit and its desire to maintain control in a rapidly changing market. As the EV industry continues to evolve, deals like this one will have significant implications for the future of transportation and the global economy.