Zeekr revises vehicle protection system after Kazakhstan incident

Zeekr will change how its vehicle protection system operates after the owner of a new Zeekr 9X SUV from China experienced an automatic lockout while driving through Kazakhstan, CarNewsChina reported.

Why some of the car’s functions were disabled

The SUV’s electronic system detected what it identified as an unauthorized vehicle export and turned off several functions for more than 30 hours. As a result, navigation, the electronic fuel filler door release, glove box access and other features were unavailable in the luxury SUV, which costs about $76,000.

The owner said he had informed the dealer about the trip in advance and received permission, but claimed no one had told him the vehicle’s functions could be disabled.

What Zeekr will change

Following criticism on Chinese social media, Zeekr apologized to the driver and pledged to modify how the system operates. A passcode generator has been added to the official app, allowing owners to unlock the vehicle themselves after crossing the border.

The company is also preparing an over-the-air (OTA) update that will allow users to turn off the automatic cross-border lock function completely. According to the manufacturer, after the update is installed, the function will be turned off by default.

Zeekr explained that the system was developed to combat vehicle theft, smuggling and gray-market exports. Such restrictions are particularly relevant in Central Asia, where many Chinese vehicles enter through unofficial channels.