Everything you need to know about Geely Auto

Your ultimate guide to Geely Auto, the Chinese automotive giant making waves on UK roads

TL;DR: Who is Geely?

Geely is a Chinese automotive giant founded in 1986, and one of the world's most influential car companies — even if you don't recognise the name. 

Behind the scenes, they own Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, and in 2025 they brought their own-badged cars to the UK for the first time with the all-electric Geely EX5. 

Backed by a global manufacturing network, a top-three EV innovation ranking, and an eight-year battery warranty, Geely is a more established proposition than their newcomer status in Britain suggests.

What you need to know about Geely

Many Chinese manufacturers have entered the UK automotive scene in recent years  and that's no exaggeration. Geely is just one of many brands making the move.

They already own some well-known and well-loved names in the UK: Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. But now they're entering with their own cars, the EX5 being their first UK offering. It's been well received — so much so that they've since released a second model, the Starray.

Whether you're considering your first electric SUV lease or you're a seasoned driver looking for exceptional value, understanding what Geely brings to the table could inform your next leasing decision.

Here's everything you need to know about this manufacturer.

Who is Geely?

Don't let the unfamiliar name fool you; Geely is far from being a startup trying to crack the automotive world.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded by Chinese entrepreneur Li Shufu in 1986, starting life as a refrigerator parts company before moving into motorcycles in 1994.

By 1997, they'd made their boldest move yet: Entering the automotive industry.

What makes this transition remarkable is that Geely became China's first privately owned automobile company, breaking the mould in a market dominated by state-owned enterprises, like Chery.

The name 'Geely' itself means 'auspicious' or 'propitious' in Chinese. And, given their journey from fridge parts to global automotive powerhouse, it seems rather fitting.

Today, Geely has featured on the Fortune Global 500 list of the world's largest companies for 13 consecutive years.

In 2025, the company sold over three million vehicles globally — a 39% year-on-year increase and a new all-time high. Of those, 1.69 million were new energy vehicles, up 90% on the previous year.

But here's what really sets Geely apart: They're not just another car manufacturer trying to break into new markets. They're an established automotive conglomerate with a portfolio that reads like a who's who of premium brands.

Who owns and makes Geely?

Geely is still privately owned by founder Li Shufu, and operates from its headquarters in Hangzhou, China.

What started as one man's vision has grown into a global automotive empire.

The company's approach to growth has been strategic, not rushed. Rather than trying to compete head-on with established manufacturers, Geely invested heavily in acquiring and developing premium brands that would teach them about global markets.

Their most famous acquisition came in 2010 when they purchased Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company. This wasn't just about adding a badge to their collection. It was about learning Swedish engineering excellence and understanding European consumer expectations.

In 2017, they acquired a majority stake in British sports car manufacturer Lotus Cars, further expanding their expertise in performance vehicle development.

That expertise is now flowing back through the group. In 2025, Geely and Renault launched Horse Powertrain — a joint venture developing shared engines and hybrid systems for use across multiple brands. 

Lotus is among the first to benefit, with its updated Emira set to use a new turbocharged V6 from the partnership.

Today, Geely operates through multiple business units, each targeting different market segments. Think of it like the Volkswagen Group model, with many different brands all operating under the same umbrella company.

The Geely automotive empire

Understanding Geely means understanding their multi-brand strategy.

Unlike manufacturers that put everything under one badge (like BYD), Geely operates distinct brands for different audiences. And while their portfolio extends far beyond cars — into motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and even aerospace — it's their passenger car brands that are most relevant to UK drivers.

• Geely Auto: The original mainstream brand, primarily focused on value-oriented family vehicles with strong electric offerings.
• Zeekr: Premium battery electric vehicles (BEVs) targeting luxury EV buyers who want cutting-edge technology.
• Lynk & Co: Trendy, tech-focused vehicles developed with Volvo, targeting younger urban consumers.
• Volvo: The Swedish premium brand focusing on safety, luxury, and sustainable mobility.
• Polestar: Electric performance vehicles that blend Scandinavian design with cutting-edge EV technology.
• Lotus: High-performance sports cars and electric vehicles focusing on lightweight engineering.
• Smart: A joint venture with Mercedes-Benz creating electric microcars for urban mobility.
• London EV Company (LEVC): Electric taxis and vans, including the iconic London black cab.

This diverse portfolio means Geely has expertise across every segment of the automotive market, from affordable family cars to high-performance supercars. And with a strategic stake in Aston Martin too, there are very few corners of the industry they haven't touched.

Where are Geely cars made?

While Geely's manufacturing base remains primarily in China, they've established a global presence that extends far beyond their home market. 

The company operates research and development centres in key automotive hubs, including Gothenburg in Sweden, Coventry in the UK, and Frankfurt in Germany. They also run global design studios in Shanghai, Gothenburg, Barcelona, California, and Coventry.

This global network isn't just for show, it's about understanding local markets and consumer preferences.

For UK customers, your Geely will come from their well-established Chinese production facilities, but the design and engineering input comes from their global network of experts.

That looks set to change in the not-too-distant future, though. 

Geely has agreed to acquire an assembly line at Ford's plant in Valencia, Spain — a move that would give them independent vehicle manufacturing operations in Europe for the first time, and a way to sidestep the import tariffs that have complicated life for Chinese manufacturers in recent years.

The Geely EX5: A UK debut done right

Geely currently offers two models in the UK, and they've covered their bases well — one fully electric, one plug-in hybrid.

Geely EX5

The EX5 was Geely's UK debut, and it made a strong first impression. 

This all-electric family SUV offers up to 267 miles of range (WLTP Comb) from a 60.22kWh battery, with rapid charging capability of up to 160kW. 

Inside, it punches well above its price point; the light, airy cabin, best-in-class rear legroom, and thoughtful storage solutions all feel genuinely premium. 

It's backed by a five-star Euro NCAP rating and a six-year warranty, and comes with a free home charger included.

Geely Starray

The Starray is Geely's second UK arrival, and takes a different approach with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. 

Two battery options are available — 18.4kWh offering 51 miles of electric range, or the larger 29.8kWh Ultra delivering an impressive 84 miles (WLTP Comb). 

It's spacious, well-equipped, and competitively priced from under £30,000. 

An eight-year battery warranty and five-star Euro NCAP rating round off a strong ownership package.

The road ahead for Geely in the UK

The Geely EX5 is just the beginning of Geely’s UK plans.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is expected to join the line-up in 2026, broadening the brand’s appeal to customers who aren’t ready to go fully electric.

Following that, Geely plans to introduce a B-segment hatchback (around the size of a Renault Clio or Hyundai i20), and then a larger D-segment SUV flagship (equivalent to something like the Polestar 2), giving them a comprehensive line-up to compete across multiple market segments.

With their global resources, established premium brand expertise, and commitment to electric mobility, Geely is well-positioned to become a significant player in the British market.

The road ahead for Geely in the UK

The EX5 and Starray are just the beginning. Geely has confirmed plans to launch 10 electrified models in the UK by 2030, spanning the B, C, D and E segments — meaning everything from compact hatchbacks to full-size SUVs will eventually carry the Geely badge.

By the end of 2026, the brand plans to have four models on sale, adding another EV and a second plug-in hybrid to the current two-car lineup.

Further down the line, a B-segment hatchback — think Renault Clio or Hyundai i20 territory — and a larger D-segment flagship are also in the pipeline.

And with European manufacturing ambitions taking shape  (including the planned acquisition of Ford's Valencia plant in Spain) Geely's long-term presence on UK roads looks increasingly substantial.

Should you consider a Geely lease?

Whether you're drawn to the fully electric EX5 or the plug-in hybrid Starray, Geely has arrived in the UK with a clear proposition: Premium-feeling cars at accessible prices, backed by the kind of warranty coverage that removes a lot of the risk from choosing a new brand.

Behind the Geely badge sits decades of global manufacturing experience and the engineering expertise of Volvo, Lotus, and Polestar. 

That's not nothing. And it shows in the fit, finish, and safety credentials of both UK models.

With 10 models planned by 2030 and European manufacturing ambitions already taking shape, this isn't a brand hedging its bets. Geely is here for the long term — and for drivers who want the latest EV or PHEV technology without the premium price tag, that's a compelling reason to take a closer look.

FAQs about Geely

Are Geely cars reliable?

Geely doesn't have a long track record in the UK yet — they only arrived in 2025 — so long-term reliability data is still limited. 

What we do know is reassuring, though. They've built over 20 million vehicles globally, their UK models have achieved five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings, and they back both the EX5 and Starray with an eight-year warranty and eight-year battery cover. 

That level of coverage suggests a manufacturer that's confident in what it's selling.

What brands are owned by Geely?

Geely's passenger car portfolio includes Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Smart, and LEVC — the company behind London's iconic black cab. 

They also hold a strategic stake in Aston Martin.

Is Volvo still owned by Geely?

Yes. Geely acquired Volvo from Ford in 2010 and remains the majority shareholder today.

Can you buy Geely cars in the UK?

Yes — Geely launched in the UK in 2025 with the EX5, followed by the Starray in 2026. Both are available to lease through Carparison, with more models planned before 2030.