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2025-10-15

Geely (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd.) is one of China's largest privately-owned automakers and a major global automotive player.

Founding and Early Years (1986–1997)

1986: Geely was founded by Li Shufu in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, originally as a refrigerator parts manufacturer.
1990s: Transitioned into motorcycle manufacturing, then later into automobile production.
1997: Geely officially entered the automobile business, becoming one of China’s first private automakers.

Initial Automobile Development (1998–2005)

1998: Produced its first car, the Geely Haoqing, based on a platform from Daihatsu.
2001: Became the first private Chinese car company to receive a license from the government to manufacture cars.
Built low-cost, compact cars mainly for the domestic market.

Expansion and Going Global (2006–2010)

2005–2006: Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
2007: Launched a new brand strategy to move upmarket and improve quality.
2009: Announced the acquisition of Drivetrain Systems International (DSI), an Australian transmission maker.

Volvo Acquisition and Global Breakthrough (2010–2015)

2010: Made global headlines by acquiring Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company for $1.8 billion. Marked a turning point—Geely gained access to advanced safety, engineering, and design capabilities.
2013: Created the Lynk & Co brand (in partnership with Volvo), focused on younger, urban consumers with tech-forward vehicles.
2014: Started assembling cars in new overseas markets, including Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and Russia.

Rapid Global Growth and Brand Diversification (2016–2020)

2016: Launched Lynk & Co brand officially.
2017: Acquired a 49.9% stake in Proton (Malaysia) and a 51% stake in Lotus Cars (UK).
2018: Acquired Terrafugia, a U.S. flying car startup. Bought a 9.7% stake in Daimler AG, becoming its largest single shareholder.
2019: Introduced Geometry, its new pure electric vehicle (EV) brand.

New Energy and Tech-Focused Era (2020–Present)

2021: Announced a new electric vehicle platform: SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture). Partnered with Baidu to develop autonomous and smart EVs. Created a joint venture with Foxconn to produce cars for third parties.
2022: Geely's premium EV marque to rival electric brands
2023: Geely’s brands were more coordinated, with Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, and Lotus all under its umbrella.
2025: Launched in Australia with the EX5 and then the Starray. Proudly part of the Bayside European Motor Group with Geely Peninsula

Impact and Significance

Geely transformed from a local Chinese manufacturer into a global automotive conglomerate, known for: