THE BREAKDOWN:
- Geely Holding Group could announce entering the US market in the next 2-3 years with Chinese cars.
- Potential brands that Geely could bring to the US include Zeekr and Lynk and Co.
- Geely could utilize Volvo’s factory in South Carolina to build cars domestically.
Geely Holding Group could start building and selling vehicles from brands like Zeekr and Lynk & Co. in the United States by the end of the decade. If all goes to plan, the Chinese auto conglomerate that owns Lotus, Polestar, and Volvo could use the latter's South Carolina factory to get around tariffs and establish a presence in the US.
Ash Sutcliffe, head of global communications for the group, said in an interview with Autoline:
'Right now, we’re looking at all global markets where we can expand. We’re currently very strong in China. We're developing strong in Southeast Asia. Europe is very stable. But the big question for us is when and where will we go to the USA?
Sutcliffe specifically mentioned Geely's premium brands, Zeekr and Lynk & Co, as possibilities that might work in the United States. While the company didn't confirm a timeline for potential production, Sutcliffe said that an official statement could come within the next two to three years.
"From what we’re seeing so far, there’s strong demand for affordable, premium, and luxury vehicles, so I think we’re in a good place to offer the American consumer something very different," he said.
Motor1’s Take: Chinese automakers are finding success in countries outside their domestic market, even as foreign governments attempt to ban cheap Chinese EVs. Hybrids and gas-powered vehicles remain popular around the world, and these vehicles could be one way for Geely and other foreign automakers to gain a foothold in the American market.
Source: Autoline Network / YouTube via Electrek
