Zeekr and Neta accused of inflating sales

Automakers Zeekr and Neta have faced scrutiny for inflating their sales figures.

Zeekr and Neta manipulate sales figures with zero-mileage used cars

Reports indicate that Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers Zeekr and Neta have inflated their sales figures by selling "zero-mileage used cars." This practice involves registering vehicles under insurance before actual delivery to buyers, allowing these automakers to count these sales prematurely. Neta reportedly recognized over 64,000 sales between January 2023 and March 2024 using this method, considerably influencing its reported sales figures. Zeekr has also been implicated in similar tactics, which has raised concerns among consumers who discovered their new cars were already classified as used. Industry experts highlight that the increasing number of corporate customers buying these vehicles signals a trend that distorts actual market performance.

This practice of using zero-mileage used cars raises major ethical questions about transparency in the automotive industry. With such tactics becoming more common, it places significant pressure on genuine manufacturers trying to compete. Moreover, this manipulation could lead to a loss of consumer trust and long-term implications for the market if consumers feel misled. The practice draws attention to the need for stricter regulations and monitoring in a fiercely competitive market, especially as companies prioritize short-term gains over sustainable growth.

Highlights

The emergence of such practices demands careful attention from regulators and consumers.