- Business
- Zotye Automobile Co., Ltd (000980.SZ) engages in the research, development, manufacture and sale of automobiles, including cars, SUVs, MPVs and new energy vehicles; automotive components such as engines, transmission products, batteries, motors, electronic control products and spare parts; as well as related support services. The company operates primarily in the automotive industry, targeting domestic Chinese markets with a focus on rural areas, third- and fourth-tier cities, and budget-conscious consumers, while exporting to international markets including Russia, Algeria, the United States, Chile, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Mongolia and Bolivia. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China, with key facilities in Yongkang, the company was formerly known as Anhui Zotye Automobile Co., Ltd prior to a name change in November 2017 and a domicile shift in March 2023 from Anhui Province to Zhejiang Province.
Its vehicle portfolio encompasses models across series such as Z (e.g., Z100 hatchback, Z200 sedan and hatchback, Z300/Z360 compact sedan, Z500/Z560 sedan, Z700 sedan), T (e.g., T200, T300 subcompact crossover, T500 compact crossover, T600 mid-size crossover, T700 flagship SUV, T800 full-size SUV), SR (e.g., SR7 compact crossover, SR9 mid-size crossover), Domy (e.g., X5 compact crossover, X7 mid-size crossover), E-series electric vehicles (e.g., E200, E30, E300 MPV) and others including the M300 MPV and V10 minivan, many featuring petrol, turbocharged or electric powertrains sourced from partners like Mitsubishi or developed in-house.
Recent developments include market expansion agreements announced in July 2024 to strengthen presence in Russia and Algeria via an exclusive agency deal with SARL AI Auto; ongoing innovations in 2025 focused on advanced electric vehicles, smart technology integration, enhanced safety features and eco-friendly materials; and efforts to restart production post-2022 resumption after prior financial challenges, despite liquidity issues reported in June 2025 and a 1 billion RMB net loss on 558 million RMB revenue in 2024. In October 2025, the company experienced a significant ownership shift as its controlling shareholder's stake was auctioned, temporarily leaving Zotye without a controlling shareholder. These changes reflect strategic pushes into new energy vehicles and emerging markets amid competitive pressures in China's automotive sector.