Zhiji Plans High-Performance Coupe to Tackle Nürburgring; V9 Opens Reservations with 120,000-Unit Annual Target

Zhiji is planning a high-performance coupe model aimed at achieving "relatively extreme performance levels," with plans to test it on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit to benchmark against premium foreign supercars. The model is positioned as a key product to drive the brand’s premiumization strategy. Meanwhile, Zhiji has designated the V9 as a critical model and has instructed suppliers to prepare for an annual production target of approximately 120,000 units—close to the total sales volume of the Buick GL8 last year. The V9’s batteries are supplied by CATL and Gotion High-Tech, whose combined monthly production capacity exceeds 10,000 units. Some suppliers have already begun preparing materials based on a peak monthly production capacity of 15,000 units. On the evening of April 21, Guo Rui, Chairman and CEO of Zhiji Auto, posted a comment expressing regret that Apple had not launched a smart car. Zhao Changjiang, Executive Director and Executive Vice President of the company, quickly responded, “Who will fill this void? We’ll find out tomorrow.” The Zhiji V9 officially opened for reservations on April 22.