Chassis Supply Chain's "iPhone Moment": China's Tier 1 Shift as LeeKr Emerges
Prnewswire·2026-01-19 04:11

Industry Overview - China's electric vehicle (EV) industry has transformed into a leading force globally, with over 2 million EVs exported in the first ten months of 2025, nearly double the previous year [1] - Global vehicle sales reached approximately 70.53 million units from January to September 2025, with new energy vehicles (NEVs) accounting for over 22% of total sales, and nearly 70% of NEV sales growth originating from China [2] - China holds a 70%–85% global market share in critical components like batteries, driving the global shift towards electrification [2][3] Supply Chain Transformation - The automotive supply chain is undergoing a structural change, with China establishing systemic advantages in battery supply chains, electric drive platforms, and manufacturing efficiency [3] - Chassis-level system solutions are evolving from mechanical components to core enablers of intelligent driving, with technologies like brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire becoming essential [4] Company Spotlight: LeeKr Technology - LeeKr Technology, founded in 2021, has raised over USD 284 million in financing, indicating strong investor confidence in its technical direction and the broader industry trend [7][9] - The company has secured significant funding rounds, including USD 56.8 million in Series B financing in 2023, marking its transition from a promising startup to a strategic player in China's intelligent EV ecosystem [10][11] - By 2024, LeeKr closed a Series C funding round of over USD 142 million, with participation from government-guided funds and major OEMs, further integrating it into China's NEV supply chain [13][15] Strategic Partnerships and Market Position - LeeKr serves over ten automaker customers, with its products deployed across more than thirty vehicle models, showcasing its technical validation and industry trust [17] - The company is positioned to evolve from a supporting role to a key provider of foundational capabilities in the smart EV supply chain, addressing challenges of sustainable operation and scalability [24][26] Global Expansion Strategy - LeeKr's globalization strategy involves expanding alongside automotive customers into overseas markets, establishing localized manufacturing for critical components [21][22] - The cooperation with Geleximco Group exemplifies LeeKr's approach to translating China's engineering depth into globally applicable industrial capabilities [26]