Geely

geely
History

A brief history about geely: Geely was founded in 1986 by Li Shufu, who began his entrepreneurial journey manufacturing refrigerator parts with money borrowed from his family. What started as a small appliance company in southeastern China would eventually evolve into one of the most influential automotive conglomerates in the world. By focusing on affordability and accessibility, Li Shufu built Geely into a brand that catered to China’s emerging middle class, particularly in tier-3 and tier-4 cities, where consumers sought reliable and inexpensive vehicles.

In 1994, Geely shifted its focus from appliances to transportation by acquiring a struggling state-owned motorcycle manufacturer. The move marked the company’s first step into the motor industry, paving the way for its next big venture: automobile production. By 1998, Geely was producing small vans, and in 2001, the Chinese government officially granted it permission to manufacture passenger cars, making Geely the first private company in China to do so.

Between 2006 and 2008, Geely began exploring global markets, signaling its ambition to expand beyond China’s borders. The company showcased its vehicles at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, marking its first major appearances on the international stage. Although plans to export to the European Union and the United States were postponed, these events positioned Geely as a serious contender among global automakers.

A pivotal moment came in 2010, when Geely acquired Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company. The acquisition, completed in August of that year, was a landmark deal valued at $1.8 billion. Geely’s approach was unique: rather than fully absorbing Volvo, it allowed the Swedish automaker to maintain its independence, preserving its design and engineering culture while providing financial backing and access to the Chinese market. This partnership became a model for cross-border automotive cooperation, with the two companies meeting twice yearly to align on strategy and technology.

By 2011, Geely had established its European foothold, announcing plans to sell vehicles in the United Kingdom under the Emgrand brand. The Emgrand EC7 became the first Chinese-designed and manufactured car to go on sale in the UK, symbolizing China’s growing presence in the global automotive landscape. The company’s blend of affordability, practicality, and improving quality standards helped it gain recognition among international consumers.

From 2023 onward, Geely has continued to evolve rapidly, focusing heavily on electrification, sustainability, and global expansion. The company now operates multiple brands, including Polestar, Lynk & Co, Zeekr, and Geometry, each catering to different segments of the electric vehicle (EV) market. Geely’s investment in battery technology and smart mobility platforms has positioned it as one of the leading forces behind China’s EV revolution. Its collaboration with Volvo has deepened further, especially through joint ventures focused on electric powertrains and autonomous driving systems.

In 2024, Geely achieved record sales of electric and hybrid vehicles, driven by strong performance in China and growing success in Europe. The Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X became standout models, praised for their design, performance, and long-range capabilities. At the same time, Geely expanded its presence in global markets through partnerships with brands like Proton in Malaysia and Lotus Cars in the UK, both of which now benefit from Geely’s advanced manufacturing and technology infrastructure.

As of 2025, Geely continues to push boundaries in technology and design, embracing artificial intelligence, vehicle connectivity, and autonomous systems across its product range. The company’s focus on innovation and environmental responsibility has earned it multiple awards in sustainability and electric mobility. With a strong presence in both the premium and mass-market segments, Geely stands as a symbol of China’s transformation from a low-cost manufacturer into a global leader in advanced automotive engineering.