China EV brand Zeekr’s vice president faces backlash for eating hotpot in car

The video, shared on Weibo on Oct. 11, showed Yang and his team gathered around a small table in the minivan, eating with an electric hotpot alongside various ingredients and dipping sauces, according to SCMP. Zeekr is a publicly listed electric vehicle manufacturer under Geely Auto.

Yang emphasized the vehicle’s efficient air conditioning and spacious interior, highlighting that it could also be used for other activities like playing cards.

He said: “Product development should always incorporate genuine user feedback, and our collaboration with users during the design of the Zeekr MIX has been spot on.”

The video quickly went viral, receiving nearly one million views and over 4,100 reposts, sparking intense debate online, as reported by the Business Times.

Some netizens criticized the practicality of eating hotpot inside a car, voicing concerns about lingering odors and possible damage to the interior, while others acknowledged that the MIX’s versatility could be appealing for outdoor activities.

In response, Yang posted another video on October 13, addressing the controversy. He explained that the intention was to demonstrate the diverse uses of the Zeekr MIX, stating: “The original intention was to showcase the diverse scenarios in which the Zeekr MIX can be used. I did not anticipate it would spark such extensive discussion. Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback.”

Despite this clarification, criticism continued, with some people dismissing the hotpot scenario as a marketing gimmick. One user commented: “All they do is focus on gimmicks and nonsense, ignoring the fundamentals. These pointless stunts are even spreading to the new energy car industry. It’s disastrous!”

China’s competitive auto market has led domestic carmakers to include various add-on features like refrigerators and sofa-style seats, often paired with attention-grabbing marketing tactics.

It’s common for electric vehicles to be used as stationary spaces for entertainment, like watching movies, especially for those dealing with crowded living conditions. While many of these features are harmless, some have led to accidents.