A Conversation With Zeekr's Giovanni Lanfranchi
About this episode
Giovanni Lanfranchi from Zeekr discusses the brand's strategic direction and the importance of unifying R&D across its platforms. He highlights how Zeekr is adapting to European customer preferences, including design and technology features, while maintaining a close collaboration with their Chinese counterparts. The conversation covers the challenges and successes of integrating AI in development processes, the unique characteristics of their vehicles, and the potential for future expansion into North America. Lanfranchi also shares insights on customer involvement in product development, showcasing a commitment to creating user-friendly features.
At CES 2026 Sam and friend of the show John Voelker sat down for a conversation with Giovanni Lanfranchi, CEO of Zeekr Technology Europe to learn more about the Geely Group's approach to product development
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Lotus
"Polestar and Lotus and possibly some like that. Do they share these platforms..."
Lotus is a car brand from England that makes lightweight sports cars known for their speed and handling.
Lotus is a British automotive company known for its lightweight sports cars and engineering expertise, focusing on performance and handling.
Polestar
"Polestar and Lotus and possibly some like that. Do they share these platforms..."
Polestar is a brand that makes electric cars, originally started by Volvo to enhance their performance. Now, they have their own unique models.
Polestar is a performance electric vehicle brand that originated as a tuning company for Volvo cars and has since developed its own line of high-performance electric vehicles.
platform sharing
"...Do they share these platforms and in particular I asked because..."
Platform sharing means that different car brands can use the same basic design for their cars, which helps them save money and make production easier.
Platform sharing refers to the practice of using the same vehicle architecture or platform across multiple models or brands to reduce costs and streamline production.
Polestar 5
"...I asked because I did go to England to talk to the Polestar 5 development team."
The Polestar 5 is a new electric car that Polestar is developing, aimed at providing a luxury and high-performance driving experience.
The Polestar 5 is an upcoming electric performance sedan from Polestar, designed to combine luxury with high-performance electric driving.
Volvo
"...for Volvo and Polestar it is working prox..."
Volvo is a car company from Sweden that is famous for making safe and well-designed vehicles.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety, quality, and Scandinavian design in its vehicles.
Geely
"...the Gili group so brand that are not link Zeekr and Gili itself..."
Geely is a car company from China that owns several other brands, including Volvo. They are growing quickly and focusing on electric cars.
Geely is a Chinese automotive manufacturer that owns several brands, including Volvo and Polestar, and is known for its rapid expansion and investment in electric vehicles.
CIS super hybrid architecture
"...the chief architect of the entire CIS see the super hybrid architecture..."
CIS super hybrid architecture is a special design that helps car makers build different types of cars more easily. It makes cars better and helps save money during production.
The CIS super hybrid architecture refers to a modular vehicle platform that allows for various configurations and technologies, enhancing flexibility in design and manufacturing. This architecture aims to streamline production and improve vehicle performance.
Zeekr 9x
"...look at the Zeekr 9x. This is an instantiation of the CIS architecture..."
The Zeekr 9x is a new electric car that uses a special design to improve its performance and features. It's part of a trend towards more eco-friendly vehicles.
The Zeekr 9x is an electric vehicle that showcases the CIS super hybrid architecture, designed for versatility and performance. It represents a modern approach to automotive design, integrating advanced technology and sustainability.
vehicle dynamics
"...especially on the vehicle dynamics there is uh we have a department that through in france fort actually really focusing on all these vehicle dynamics characteristics..."
Vehicle dynamics is about how cars behave when they are moving. It looks at how well a car handles turns, stays stable, and feels comfortable to drive.
Vehicle dynamics refers to the study of how vehicles move and respond to various forces while in motion. This includes aspects like handling, stability, and ride comfort, which are crucial for performance and safety.
calibration tuning
"...there is all the calibration tuning and and the ai proactive takes uh from a overall out there platforms..."
Calibration tuning is when engineers adjust different parts of a car to make it drive better. This can help the car handle turns more smoothly or feel more comfortable on the road.
Calibration tuning involves adjusting the settings of a vehicle's systems to optimize performance, handling, and comfort. This can include suspension settings, steering response, and electronic systems.
motion sickness
"...there is a lot of work around the motion sickness so fusing elements from the sensor from the from the outside..."
Motion sickness is when you feel sick while riding in a car, usually because your body feels movement that your eyes don't see. Car makers try to reduce this feeling with special designs and technology.
Motion sickness in vehicles occurs when there is a disconnect between what the body feels and what the eyes see, often leading to discomfort or nausea. Manufacturers work to minimize this through various technologies.
stabilization bar
"...there is the 48 more stabilization bar that is capable to really detect..."
A stabilization bar is a part of a car's suspension that helps it stay steady while turning. It makes the car feel more balanced and easier to control.
A stabilization bar, often referred to as a sway bar, is a component of a vehicle's suspension system that helps reduce body roll during cornering, improving handling and stability.
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