Zotye Auto

Chinese motor company
title: "Zotye Auto" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["companies-based-in-jinhua", "vehicle-manufacturing-companies-established-in-2005", "motor-vehicle-manufacturers-of-china", "chinese-brands", "chinese-companies-established-in-2005", "zotye-vehicles"] description: "Chinese motor company" topic_path: "geography/china" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zotye_Auto" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Chinese motor company ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox company"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Zotye International Automobile Trading Co., Ltd. |
| logo | Zotye Auto Logo 2019.png |
| type | Private |
| foundation | 14 January |
| founder | Ying Jianren (应建仁) |
| parent | Zotye Holding Group |
| location_city | Yongkang, Zhejiang |
| location_country | China |
| key_people | Hu Zeyu (Chairman) |
| industry | Automotive |
| products | Automobiles |
| homepage | zotye.com |
| :: |
| name = Zotye International Automobile Trading Co., Ltd. | logo = Zotye Auto Logo 2019.png | type = Private | slogan = | traded_as = | foundation = 14 January | defunct = | founder = Ying Jianren (应建仁) | parent = Zotye Holding Group | location_city = Yongkang, Zhejiang | location_country = China | location = | key_people = Hu Zeyu (Chairman) | num_employees = | industry = Automotive | products = Automobiles | revenue = | operating_income = | net_income = | assets = | homepage = zotye.com | subsid =
Zotye Auto (; officially Zotye International Automobile Trading Co., Ltd.) is a privately owned Chinese automobile manufacturer based in Yongkang, Zhejiang, China. It is owned by Zotye Holding Group and was established in 2005. The company is known for its copycat cars, which gained popularity in China's rural areas and third and fourth tier cities during the late 2010s.
History
Zotye was founded on 2005 by Zotye Holding Group. Previously, Zotye had contracts to only export automotive parts but increased its production to complete cars to take advantage of the expanding Chinese automotive market. In 2005, because of their reputation as a reliable partner, Zotye established contracts for sales subsidiaries in 10 different countries. Since 2005, Zotye has expanded its automobile lineup and production numbers. The first model of the brand was a small SUV, the Zotye RX6400, later renamed to Zotye Nomad. The Nomad bears a remarkable resemblance to the Daihatsu Terios (see also Automotive industry in China).
Zotye's total revenues in 2006 were 2.88 billion RMB (about €290 million). Zotye Auto ranked 352nd with a revenue of 20.80 billion RMB and a profit of 1.13 billion RMB on Top 500 Chinese Companies List released by Fortune China on July 10, 2018.
After 2020, sales rapidly dropped and the company entered bankruptcy and liquidation proceedings in 2021. Its cessation followed complex financial issues caused by consequently worsening debt. Commentators noted that Zotye still relied on internal combustion engines from Mitsubishi at a time when competitors developed their own engines or electrified drivetrains. Production was reportedly restarted in December 2022.
In March 2023, the company's domicile was changed from the Economic Development Zone, She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province to No. 1 Beihu Road, Economic Development Zone, Yongkang City, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province. In July 2024 Zotye announced agreements to expand markets in Russia and Algeria.
In 2024, the company reported a 1 billion RMB loss on 558 million RMB revenue. In June 2025, Zotye reported being unable to continue vehicle production due to liquidity problems.
Leadership
- Wu Jianzhong (2005–2018)
- Jin Zheyong (2018–2022)
- Huang Jihong (2022)
- Ye Changqing (2022–2023)
- Hu Zeyu (Ryan Hu) (2023–present)
Former models
Series E
E20 EV
Main article: Zotye E20
The E20 EV is a small electric car produced by Zhidou Auto for Zotye.
E30 EV
Main article: Zotye E30
The E30 EV is a small electric car that looks very much like the older version of the Smart Fortwo. Launched at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, its body shares the look of the Smart's individually painted Tridion safety cell and wheel-in-each-corner layout. It has a 1765 mm wheelbase, and measures 2798 mm long, 1563 mm wide, and 1572 mm tall - smaller than the equivalent Smart Car. The central console is reported as having been inspired by the Tesla Model S, with a large touch screen. The electric drive is built around a 17.6 kWh battery and an electric motor that provides up to 18 kW of power and 83 NM of torque. Zotye claim that the E30 has a top speed exceeding 80 km/h and a driving range of 150 km. In 2016 the company reported sales of just 3,471 units.
E200 EV
Main article: Zotye E200
The E20 EV is an even smaller electric car that also looks a bit like the older version of the Smart Fortwo. Also launched in 2015 in Shanghai its electric drive is built around a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that provides up to 82 NM of torque. Zotye claim that the E200 has a top speed exceeding 80 km/h and a driving range of 120 km. In 2016 the company reported sales of 13,154 units.
E300 EV
Main article: Zotye E300
The E300 is a multi purpose vehicle based on the Fiat Multipla but using an electric power train instead of the petrol engined M300. The E300 MPV has 6 seats 5 doors and the floor pan of the Fiat Bravo.
JN Auto/TT
Main article: Jiangnan TT
In 2009, Zotye purchased Jiangnan Auto and acquired their only production model, a facelifted Suzuki Alto which was initially sold as the JN Auto. In late 2010, Zotye released a $2,830 Jiangnan Alto, the cheapest car in China and possibly in the world, and now calls the car Zotye TT.
2008/5008
Main article: Zotye 2008
In 2008, Zotye began exporting the Zotye Nomad, the export name for the 2008 which was launched in China in 2006 as a rebadged Daihatsu Terios. In 2010, Zotye released the Zotye 5008 which is a facelifted Zotye 2008 for the Chinese domestic market. It is still sold as the "Nomad" but also as the Zotye Hunter in various export markers, and also in India as the Premier Rio. Together with LUIS Motors GmbH, Zotye has developed an electric version of the Zotye 5008 for the European market, where it is sold as the "Luis 4U". Zoyte also supplies CKD kits of Nomad to Premier Limited in India to sell a version of this car as Premier Rio, powered by a Peugeot TUD5 diesel engine. Nomads are also sold in South Africa and Latin America. Following a new restyling, it is now marketed as the Zotye T200.
Zotye has an ambitious plan for developing electric cars. It started leasing 5008EVs in Hangzhou in 2010. Production ended in 2013.
M300
Main article: Zotye M300
In 2009, Zotye released its second car model for the Chinese market, Zotye M300, (originally Multipla) which is a licensed rebadged production of the Fiat Multipla. Production ended in 2013.
T200
Main article: Zotye T200
The T200 is the facelifted version of the Zotye 5008, adding also a new interior design. It was launched in April 2013, and is powered by a range of a 1.3-litre and a 1.5-litre petrol engines, with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing, reportedly sourced from Mitsubishi, which are able to develop between 92 and and between 113 and of torque. Production ended in 2016.
Series Z
Z100
Main article: Zotye Z100
At the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, Zotye introduced their new Z100 model, a five-door hatchback city car, with a design very much inspired from the seventh generation Suzuki Alto. The model was initially revealed one year before as the New Jiangnan TT. It is one of the cheapest cars on the Chinese market.
Z200/ Z200HB
Main article: Zotye Z200
The Zotye Z200 and Z200HB are subcompact sedans and hatchback based on the Fiat Siena and Palio respectively. Fiat sold the Siena and Palio platforms to Zotye in 2008. Initial names of the Z200 and Z200HB are Langjun and Langjie respectively, but the products were later renamed to fit into the new Zotye product line.
Zotye launched the Z200 saloon and Z200HB hatchback in 2011, an updated version of the Fiat Palio and Siena which had been built in China by Nanjing Fiat from 2001 to 2006 with little success, and Zotye purchased the tooling for these cars in 2008. The Z200 stopped production in 2014.
Z300/ Z360
Main article: Zotye Z300
The Z300 four-door compact saloon was launched in 2012. It has a remarkable likeness to the design of the second generation (2007) Toyota Allion. The facelift version was later renamed to Z360.
Z500/ Z560
Main article: Zotye Z500
The Z500 is a 4-door sedan that was produced since November 2014. It runs on a 1.5-litre 4G15 or 4A91 engine. Transmission choices are a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The facelift version was renamed to z560.
Z700
Main article: Zotye Z700
The Z700 (formerly known as the Z600) is a sedan produced by Zotye Auto since 2016 positioned above the Z500. It runs on a 1.8-litre turbo or 2.0-litre turbo engine paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Pricing is 99,800 yuan to 158,800 yuan.
Series T
T300
Main article: Zotye T300
The T300 is a Subcompact crossover with styling inspired by the Mazda CX-3.
T500
Main article: Zotye T500
The T500 is a Compact crossover revealed during the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show and launched in March 2018.
T600
Main article: Zotye T600
The T600 is a mid-size crossover launched in December 2013, powered by either a 1.5-litre turbo or a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. According to much of the media, it has a remarkable resemblance to the Audi Q5 and the Volkswagen Touareg. A higher trim model with completely redesigned front DRG and rear bumper called the Zotye T600 Sport was revealed in May 2016. Another higher trim model featuring redesigned DLO and D pillars called the Zotye T600 Coupe was revealed in March 2017.
T700
Main article: Zotye T700
Previewed by the T600 S Concept launched on the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, the T700 has been the flagship SUV of the Zotye brand ever since. It was one of the first original designs coming out of Zotye despite the ongoing copying controversies of other products. Production commenced in May 2017. The T700 is marketed as Zotye Z8 in Vietnamese market.
T800
Main article: Zotye T800
Based on the T700, the Zotye T800 is a full-size SUV revealed during the 2018 Beijing Auto Show essentially being a longer version of the T700.
Traum
Main article: Traum (marque)
Traum is a sub-brand under Zotye Auto. This brand name means "dream" in German. The Traum brand was originally aimed at a younger target market.
The Chinese name was pronounced as Junma (君马), and is best translated as Supreme Horse. The English slogan is Driven by Dreams. The Chinese slogan is Dream for a Horse.
Cars branded under the Traum marque are manufactured by the former Jiangnan Auto, a subsidiary bought by Zotye that was famous for building China's cheapest car; the Jiangnan TT.
Traum S70
Main article: Traum S70
The Traum S70 is a mid-size crossover utility vehicle introduced in 2017.
Traum MEET3
Main article: Traum MEET3
The Traum MEET3 is a compact crossover utility vehicle based on the Zotye SR7 introduced in 2017. It resembles the first generation Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Traum MEET5
The Traum MEET5 is a compact crossover utility vehicle inspired by the Mazda CX-4.
Traum SEEK5
Main article: Traum SEEK5
The Traum SEEK5 is a mid-size crossover utility vehicle introduced in 2018.
Other series
SR7
Main article: Zotye SR7
The SR7 is a compact crossover of the Zotye brand. It bears striking resemblance to the Audi Q3.
SR9
Main article: Zotye SR9
The SR9 is a mid-size crossover of the Zotye brand. It bears striking resemblance to the Porsche Macan.
Domy X5
Main article: Domy X5
The Domy X5 or Damai X5 is a compact crossover of the Zotye brand. It bears striking resemblance to the first generation Volkswagen Tiguan.
Domy X7
Main article: Domy X7
The Domy X7 or Damai X7 is a mid-size crossover of the Zotye brand. It bears striking resemblance to the 2015 Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept and 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept.
V10
Main article: Zotye V10
The small Japanese style minivan was launched in 2011. It runs on a 4G12 engine and 5 speed manual gearbox.
Product gallery
File:Zotye 2008.jpg|Zotye 2008 File:Zotye 5008 01 China 2012-05-20.JPG|Zotye 5008 File:Zotye A16 003.jpg|Zotye A16 File:Zotye B21 003.jpg|Zotye B21 File:Zotye Damai X5 3 China 2016-03-29.jpg|Zotye Domy X5 File:Domy X7 001 China 2017-04-05.jpg|Zotye Domy X7 File:Zotye Hunter 1.5i 2009 (14343401029).jpg|Zotye Hunter File:Zotye SR7 3 China 2016-03-30.jpg|Zotye SR7 File:Zotye SR9 China 2017-03-30.jpg|Zotye SR9 File:Zotye T200 China 2014-04-16.jpg|Zotye T200 File:Zotye T300 (cropped).jpg|Zotye T300 File:Zotye T500 001 (cropped).jpg|Zotye T500 File:Zotye T600 China 2016-03-29.jpg|Zotye T600 File:Zotye T600 Sport facelift (cropped).jpg|Zotye T600 Sport File:Zotye T600 Coupe 01 China 2018-03-20.jpg|Zotye T600 Coupe File:Zotye T700 02 China 2017-03-25.jpg|Zotye T700 File:Zotye T800 01 China 2019-03-28.jpg|Zotye T800 File:Zotye Z100 China 2015-04-08.jpg|Zotye Z100 File:Zotye Z200 China 2012-06-11.JPG|Zotye Z200 File:Zotye Z200 HB 001 China 2014-04-16.jpg|Zotye Z200HB File:Zotye Z300 China 2014-04-16.jpg|Zotye Z300 File:2017 Zotye Z360 (Z300 facelift), front 8.7.18.jpg|Zotye Z360 File:Zotye Z500 China 2016-03-29.jpg|Zotye Z500 File:Zotye Z700 01 China 2016-04-07.jpg|Zotye Z700 File:2018 Zotye Domy Zhima E30, front 8.4.18.jpg|Zotye E30 File:Zotye E200 001.jpg|Zotye E200 File:2010 Zotye M300 Langyue 002 (cropped).jpg|Zotye M300 File:Zotye V10 001.jpg|Zotye V10
Sales
::data[format=table]
| Calendar year | Sales (China only) |
|---|---|
| 2007 | url=http://left-lane.com/china-car-sales-data/zotye/ |
| 2008 | 53,491 |
| 2009 | 64,510 |
| 2010 | 99,773 |
| 2011 | 99,148 |
| 2012 | 85,644 |
| 2013 | 102,920 |
| 2014 | 149,925 |
| 2015 | 223,327 |
| 2016 | 328,875 |
| 2017 | 311,266 |
| :: |
References
References
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