Geely Auto History and Business Evolution

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Geely Auto has a rich history that dates back to 1997 when it was founded by Li Shufu in Hangzhou, China.

The company's early years were marked by a focus on producing commercial vehicles, but in 2002, Geely Auto began to shift its focus towards passenger cars.

Geely Auto's big break came in 2009 when it acquired Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company for $1.8 billion.

1997-2007

In 1997, Geely completed the construction of relevant factories and initial investment preparations to enter the automobile industry, making it the first private automobile company in China.

This marked a significant turning point for Geely, as it paved the way for the company to start producing cars.

Geely's first car, the Geely Haoqing, rolled off the assembly line in Linhai, Zhejiang on 8 August 1998.

However, Geely did not obtain its national production license until 9 November 2001, which delayed mass production until 2002.

By 2002, the brand was ranked among the top ten in the Chinese automobile market.

Here's an interesting read: Geely Automobile News

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Geely was restructured from being a family-operated entity to a joint-stock company managed by professional management in 2002.

In 2003, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (ZGH) was established with a registered capital of CN¥930 million.

Li Shufu bought controlling shares in Guorun Holdings Co., Ltd. in January 2004, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the trading code 0175HK.

Guorun was renamed Geely Automobile Holdings Limited in March 2004, and retained the same trading code.

This strategy allowed Geely to raise funds for the company through the Hong Kong stock market.

In 2006, Geely bought a 19.97 percent equity stake in British company Manganese Bronze Holdings, the manufacturer of London black cabs.

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Business Operations

Geely Auto's business operations are a testament to its innovative approach. The company has a global presence with a network of over 10,000 dealerships across more than 100 countries.

Geely Auto has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Volvo, Lynk & Co, and Geely, which allows it to cater to different markets and customer preferences. This strategy has enabled the company to achieve significant growth and expansion.

Geely Auto's business operations are supported by a robust supply chain management system, which ensures timely delivery of components and parts to its manufacturing facilities. This has helped the company to maintain a high level of production efficiency and quality control.

2007-2014

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In 2007, Geely Auto shifted its strategy to focus on technology, quality, and service rather than competing on price, a move that would help them navigate the 2008 financial crisis.

This new direction was outlined in their "Ningbo Declaration" and was a crucial turning point for the company.

Geely Auto launched its Ukrainian semi-knock down (SKD) exports in January 2007, shipping the first batch of 300 sets of knock-down parts to be assembled in Ukraine.

By 2012, Geely became the second largest car exporter from China after Chery, exporting 100,300 vehicles.

CKD facilities were established with local partners in Russia, Indonesia, and Egypt.

Geely Auto started developing its own turbocharged petrol engines, which it introduced in 2008, helping Geely vehicles to compete in terms of power performance and fuel economy.

The company founded a new brand named Gleagle in 2008, followed by the Emgrand and Englon brands in 2010.

The Englon brand was aimed to emulate a classic British brand, with its model line including the London black cab model, the TX4 that Geely acquired while taking a stake in British company Manganese Bronze Holdings.

In late 2011, Geely appointed former Volvo designer Peter Horbury as Senior Vice President of Design, who led the development of the Geely Borui sedan, considered as the company's first "3.0 era" car.

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2014-Present

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Between 2013 and 2014, Geely Auto faced declining sales and outdated technology.

The company undertook major restructuring in 2014 by merging its Emgrand, Haoqing, and Englon brands into a unified Geely brand, streamlining its product lineup. This restructuring paved the way for successful launches.

Geely Auto released its new brand called Lynk & Co in October 2016, in Berlin, Germany. The brand was launched with three production models, all based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) developed by China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT).

Lynk & Co as a brand is positioned between Geely and Volvo, and adopts innovative sales models such as direct-to-consumer sales model and subscription model. Geely Auto controls 50% of Lynk & Co, Volvo Cars held 30%, and Zhejiang Geely Holding held the remaining 20%.

In 2018, Geely Auto entered a period described as a "new phase", with the introduction of the "Technology Geely 4.0" architecture. This included the introduction of high-quality products dubbed the "Refined Vehicle Series".

Geely Auto saw increasing market share despite a declining market, and by the end of 2018, it had produced and sold over 1.5 million units with a diverse lineup of over 10 models.

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Assembly Plants

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Geely Auto has a significant presence in mainland China, with 10 manufacturing plants that can produce a total of 2.11 million vehicles annually.

The company's assembly plants are strategically located across various provinces in China.

The Chunxiao plant, located in Zhenhai, Ningbo, Zhejiang, has an annual capacity of 200,000 vehicles and produces the Boyue and Boyue L models.

Xiangtan plant, situated in Xiangtan, Hunan, has a capacity of 300,000 vehicles and manufactures the Binyue and Xingyuan models.

Geely Auto's plants in Baoji, Shaanxi, can produce 200,000 vehicles annually, with a product lineup that includes the Galaxy L7, Boyue, and Boyue L models.

Here's a list of Geely Auto's manufacturing plants in mainland China:

The company's manufacturing capacity is spread across various provinces in China, with a total of 2.11 million vehicles produced annually.

Automotive Divisions

Automotive divisions are a crucial part of a company's business operations. Lynk & Co has several automotive divisions, including the Lynk & Co 03, Lynk & Co 08, and Lynk & Co 09.

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These divisions offer a range of products, from the Lynk & Co 03 to the Lynk & Co 09.

The Lynk & Co 03, Lynk & Co 08, and Lynk & Co 09 are just a few examples of the products offered by these divisions.

Here are some examples of automotive divisions and products offered by Lynk & Co:

  • Lynk & Co 03
  • Lynk & Co 08
  • Lynk & Co 09

Taizhou Restructuring (2024–Present)

In September 2024, Geely's founder Li Shufu announced the "Taizhou Declaration", a new stage of strategic transformation of ZGH.

The Taizhou Declaration aims to promote the integration of internal resources, clarify the positioning of each brand, and improve resource utilization efficiency.

Geely announced in October 2024 that it would merge all Geely Geometry dealerships into Geely Galaxy dealership network.

This move is a key step in the Taizhou Declaration strategy to streamline and optimize Geely's operations.

In November 2024, Geely transferred its 11.3% stake in Zeekr Intelligent Technology to Geely Automobile Holdings, increasing Geely Auto's ownership in Zeekr to 62.8%.

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Zeekr then acquired a 20% stake in Lynk & Co from Geely Auto for 3.6 billion yuan and an additional 30% from Volvo Cars for 5.4 billion yuan.

This move made Zeekr hold 51% of Lynk & Co in total, while the remaining 49% of Lynk & Co shares continues to be held by Geely Auto.

In January 2025, Geely announced that it would consolidate London EV Company into Geely Auto.

The consolidation is part of the Taizhou Declaration strategy to simplify and strengthen Geely's operations.

In July 2025, Geely Auto officially signed a merger agreement with Zeekr, acquiring all remaining Zeekr shares it does not already own.

This move will make Zeekr a wholly owned subsidiary of Geely Auto, further integrating Geely's operations and resources.

What Else Does Do?

Geely Holding Group is a diversified company that extends far beyond automotive manufacturing. It's involved in various sectors that are worth exploring.

Geely has invested in ride-hailing and car-sharing platforms, making mobility services a significant part of its business. This move is likely driven by the growing demand for convenient and flexible transportation options.

Gray Volvo XC60 on Sea Coast in Winter
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In addition to mobility services, Geely has ventured into the aerospace industry, developing low-orbit satellites and urban air mobility solutions (VTOL). This is a significant departure from its traditional focus on automotive manufacturing.

Geely is heavily invested in research and development, focusing on electric vehicle technologies, autonomous driving, and connectivity. This commitment to innovation is likely to drive future growth and advancements in the industry.

To give you a better idea of Geely's diversified business, here's a breakdown of its various sectors:

  • Mobility services: ride-hailing and car-sharing platforms
  • Aerospace: low-orbit satellites and urban air mobility solutions (VTOL)
  • Technology development: electric vehicle technologies, autonomous driving, and connectivity
  • Financial services: support for automotive and technology ventures

Talent Development Group

The Geely Talent Development Group is a key player in cultivating talents for the automotive industry. It's a vital part of Geely's business operations, and it's impressive to see how they're investing in education.

Geely has established 9 higher education institutions across China, which is a significant commitment to developing future talent. These institutions are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the automotive industry.

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Some of the notable universities under the Geely Talent Development Group include Geely University, University of Sanya, Beijing Geely University, and Xiangtan Institute of Technology. These universities are located in key regions, allowing Geely to tap into local talent.

Each year, more than 10,000 students graduate from Geely's schools, which is a testament to the group's dedication to education. This number is a significant contribution to the talent pool in the automotive industry.

Here are some of the universities under the Geely Talent Development Group:

  • Geely University – a private university located in Chengdu
  • University of Sanya – a private university located in Hainan
  • Beijing Geely University – a private university located in Beijing
  • Xiangtan Institute of Technology
  • Zhejiang Automobile Vocational and Technical College
  • Hunan Geely Automobile Vocations and Technical College

Subsidiaries and Partnerships

Geely's structure is quite complex, but at the top sits Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), which oversees the Geely Auto Group, a key subsidiary responsible for managing brands like Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Proton Cars, and Geometry.

Geely Auto Group is a significant subsidiary under ZGH, managing a range of brands including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Proton Cars, and Geometry.

Geely has a notable presence in the commercial vehicle sector through its dedicated brand, Farizon Auto, which was established in 2016 with a focus on the development and sales of electric commercial vehicles.

Credit: youtube.com, Achievement highlights of Geely Auto overseas business

Here is a list of some of Geely's notable subsidiaries and joint ventures:

Some other notable subsidiaries and joint ventures under ZGH include Volvo Cars, Polestar, Proton, Smart, Lotus, London EV Company, Radar (Riddara), Maple/Livan, and Farizon Auto.

Volvo Cars Purchase (2008–2010)

Geely Holding Group acquired Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company in 2010, marking the largest overseas acquisition by a Chinese automaker at the time.

This deal facilitated Volvo's recovery and brought significant technological advancements to Geely. The acquisition was finalized on August 2, 2010, with Geely paying $1.3 billion in cash and a $200 million note.

Under Geely's ownership, Volvo developed a new line of engines and a vehicle platform called the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). This led to a significant sales surge for Geely from 2010 onwards.

Sales of Volvo Cars reached 500,000 vehicles in 2015 for the first time in the brand's history, and continued to over 700,000 in 2023.

Daimler/Mercedes-Benz Partnerships (2018–Present)

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In 2018, Li Shufu purchased a 9.7% stake in Daimler AG, now known as Mercedes-Benz Group.

Li Shufu is now the second-largest Mercedes-Benz AG shareholder after BAIC Group.

A 50-50 joint venture was formed between ZGH and Daimler AG in January 2020 to develop and operate the Smart brand as a global electric vehicle brand.

The joint venture, named Smart Automobile Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang, with a registered capital of CN¥5.4 billion.

Mercedes-Benz Digital Technology acquired 3% of Qianli Technology, Geely's AI and autonomous driving technology solution company, in September 2025 for RMB 1.34 billion.

Mercedes-Benz will become the fifth largest shareholder of Qianli Technology upon completion of the transaction.

In June 2025, Geely Auto, Geely Holding, and Renault announced a joint venture to manufacture electric vehicles in Brazil.

The joint venture would be owned 73.57% by Renault, 21.29% by Geely Auto, 5.11% by Geely Holding, and 0.03% by an independent third party.

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ZEEKR (ZK) Owner Proposes Delisting and Going Private

Credit: youtube.com, Geely’s Zeekr take over Lynk & Co brand to Chase BYD with PHEV's

Geely, the majority owner of ZEEKR, is offering the Chinese EV automaker an opportunity to go private once again, less than a year after it went public on the US stock market.

This decision is part of a larger trend in the industry, as Volvo's parent company Geely is also exploring options for its subsidiaries, including Polestar (PSNY).

Geely has a history of taking its subsidiaries private, as seen in the case of Geely's sub-brand Galaxy, which has started selling its first all-electric model, the E8, in China.

The Galaxy E8 is a significant player in the Chinese market, with a price point below $25,000 and adequate EV technology.

Here are some key points about Geely's subsidiaries:

Geely's decision to take its subsidiaries private may have implications for the industry as a whole, as it could lead to a shift in the way companies are structured and operated.

Polestar Secures $1B Funding

Polestar, the EV-centric brand, has secured $1 billion in external funding from an all-star lineup of international banks. This significant investment will help Polestar continue its work on rolling out two incoming electric SUVs and beyond.

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The funding is a major boost for Polestar, which had faced uncertainty after its co-parent company Volvo announced plans to cut ties with the brand. However, Geely Holding, the other owner of Polestar, remains involved and committed to the brand's success.

Geely Holding Group, the parent company of Geely Auto, has also announced a vehicle purchase agreement with fellow marque brand ZEEKR to sell its EVs and aftermarket parts in Mexico. This partnership will help Geely fast-track ZEEKR's line of advanced new energy vehicles to Mexican consumers.

Here are some key facts about Polestar's funding and partnerships:

  • Polestar secured $1 billion in external funding from international banks.
  • Geely Holding remains involved and committed to Polestar's success.
  • Geely Auto has partnered with ZEEKR to sell EVs and aftermarket parts in Mexico.

This funding and partnership news is a positive development for Polestar, which had been struggling to secure funding after Volvo's announcement. With this significant investment, Polestar is well-positioned to continue its work on electric vehicles and expand its presence in the market.

Subsidiaries

Geely's subsidiaries play a crucial role in the company's success. Geely Auto Group, a key subsidiary, oversees brands like Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Proton Cars, and Geometry.

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Geely Automobile Holdings operates as a publicly listed company within Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). ZGH oversees a comprehensive network of subsidiaries and joint ventures.

Some of Geely's notable subsidiaries include Volvo Cars, Polestar, Proton, Smart, Lotus, London EV Company, Radar (Riddara), Maple/Livan, and Farizon Auto.

Here's a list of some of Geely's subsidiaries:

Geely's motorcycle division includes Zhejiang Geely Ming Industrial, Qianjiang Motorcycle, and Benelli.

Brands and Models

Geely Auto is a Chinese automotive company that owns a range of brands, including the main Geely Auto brand and its sub-brand Geely Galaxy.

Geely Auto is the core brand of the company, producing a wide range of passenger vehicles. The brand mostly sells petrol-powered cars, with several hybrid and battery electric offerings. One of its models, the Geely Jiaji, is a popular choice.

The company also owns several other brands, including Lynk & Co, Proton Cars, Radar Auto, and Zeekr. Lynk & Co is a connectivity and shared mobility vehicle brand, while Proton Cars is a Malaysian automotive company owned by Geely. Zeekr is a premium battery electric vehicle brand that was founded in 2021 as an offshoot of Lynk & Co.

Here are some of the brands owned by Geely Auto:

  • Geely Auto
  • Geely Galaxy
  • Lynk & Co
  • Proton Cars
  • Radar Auto
  • Zeekr

Geely Auto also owns the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), which produces electric black cabs. In 2024, LEVC was consolidated into Geely Galaxy.

Automobile Brands

Black and white photo of cars on a flooded street under tree cover in an urban area.
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Geely Automobile Holdings owns a diverse range of automobile brands, each with its own unique identity and focus.

Geely Auto is the company's main brand, primarily sold in China and select overseas markets. It has an electric vehicle product line, the Geely Galaxy, for premium EV/PHEV.

The Geely Galaxy brand was established in February 2023 and offers a range of new energy vehicles, including plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles.

Geely Galaxy Series is a new high-end new energy product series from Geely Auto, adopting a new design language showcased on the concept model “Galaxy Light.”

The company also owns the Lynk & Co brand, established in 2017, which uses technology developed jointly by Volvo Cars and Geely Auto.

Geely Auto also owns the Zeekr brand, a premium battery electric vehicle brand founded in 2021 as an offshoot of Lynk & Co.

Here's a list of some of the notable brands owned by Geely Automobile Holdings:

  • Geely Auto
  • Geely Galaxy
  • Lynk & Co
  • Zeekr
  • Proton Cars
  • Radar Auto
  • London EV Company
  • Emgrand
  • Gleagle
  • Geely Geometry

Gleagle

Credit: youtube.com, GLEAGLE SUPER CARS

Gleagle was Geely's entry-level brand, sold between 2010 and 2015. It was a sub-brand that offered affordable cars to customers.

Some Gleagle cars, such as the Gleagle Panda, were available for sale on the internet in China via the Taobao Mall, a popular e-commerce site. Buying one of the Panda models on offer did necessitate a trip to a traditional dealer.

The Gleagle GC7 and Gleagle GX7 were two models offered under the Gleagle brand. These cars were likely sold during the brand's active years.

Most Gleagle products continued to be sold directly under the Geely brand after the sub-brand was discontinued in 2015. This allowed customers to still purchase affordable cars from Geely.

Here is a list of some Gleagle models:

  • Gleagle GC7
  • Gleagle GX7
  • Gleagle Panda

Sales and Figures

Geely Auto has seen significant growth over the years, with sales increasing from 325,413 units in 2009 to 1,686,516 units in 2023.

The company's sales figures have been steadily rising, with a notable jump in 2017 to 1,247,116 units and another increase in 2022 to 1,432,988 units. In 2023, Geely Auto sold over 1.6 million vehicles, a new record for the company.

Here's a breakdown of Geely Auto's sales figures for the past few years:

Sales

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In 2009, Geely Auto sold 325,413 vehicles, but the sales figures for Geely, Geely Geometry, and Geely Galaxy were not available.

The company's sales steadily increased over the next few years, reaching 765,851 vehicles in 2016.

Here's a breakdown of Geely Auto's sales figures for the years 2009 to 2023:

By 2023, Geely Auto had sold over 1.6 million vehicles, with Geely being the top-selling model with over 1 million units sold.

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10,000 EV Beats BYD Seagull and Tesla Model Y in China

In the first half of 2025, the Geely Xingyuan, also known as the "Star Wish", was the best-selling vehicle in China, topping the sales charts with prices starting under $10,000.

The Geely Xingyuan outsold the BYD Seagull and Tesla Model Y in China, which is a significant achievement considering the popularity of these brands.

This affordable electric vehicle (EV) priced under $10,000 was a major hit in China, beating out more expensive models from BYD and Tesla.

The Geely Xingyuan's success can be attributed to its competitive pricing, which made it an attractive option for many Chinese consumers.

Here are some key players in the Chinese automotive market:

  • Polestar
  • Geely
  • Volvo Cars

International Presence

Credit: youtube.com, 2022 Geely Automobile International Conference Highlights

Geely Auto has a significant international presence, with a notable agreement in place to distribute its New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Poland through Jameel Motors.

This partnership marks Geely Auto's entry into the Polish market, providing customers with access to its range of electric vehicles.

Geely Auto's global reach is expanding rapidly, with this latest development demonstrating the company's commitment to growth and innovation.

Selling EVs in Poland via Jameel Motors

Geely Auto has partnered with Jameel Motors to distribute its New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) to customers in Poland.

This partnership will help Geely Auto expand its reach in the Polish market.

ZEEKR Enters North America, Launching 001 and X BEVs in Mexico

ZEEKR, a premium battery electric vehicle brand, has officially entered the North American market by launching its first two models, the 001 and X BEVs, in Mexico.

The 001 is a shooting brake, while the X is an all-electric SUV, both of which are Chinese-built EVs.

Credit: youtube.com, Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X debut in Mexico

ZEEKR's entry into Mexico marks a significant step in the brand's global expansion.

The brand was founded in 2021 as an offshoot of Lynk & Co, with its first vehicles being Lynk & Co models.

After a major shareholding restructuring in late 2024, Zeekr now holds 51% of Lynk & Co shares.

Zeekr's models are now available in Mexico, and the brand plans to expand its reach in the region.

Here are the models currently available from ZEEKR:

  • Zeekr X
  • Zeekr 009
  • Zeekr 7X

These models showcase Zeekr's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.

Innovations and Technology

Geely Auto is pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving technology. Their AI digital chassis can safely operate on snow and ice without a driver.

Geely's AI digital chassis is capable of performing fully autonomous drifting. This is a remarkable feat that showcases the potential of their technology.

The AI chassis can handle challenging road conditions with ease, making it a promising development in the field of autonomous vehicles.

AI Chassis Autonomously Drifting

Futuristic smiling robot gadget on a car dashboard symbolizing modern technology and innovation.
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Geely Auto is pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving with its AI digital chassis.

The brand's AI chassis has been tested on challenging terrain like snow and ice, proving it can safely operate without a driver.

In a remarkable demonstration, the AI chassis was shown performing fully autonomous drifting, showcasing its capabilities.

This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we drive and interact with our vehicles.

Geely's Radar brand, now consolidated into Geely Auto, unveiled its first vehicle, the Radar RD6, in 2022.

This marks a significant step forward in the development of autonomous driving technology.

The AI chassis is a key component of Geely's autonomous driving system, enabling vehicles to navigate complex driving scenarios with ease.

It's an exciting time for innovation in the automotive industry, and Geely Auto is at the forefront of this revolution.

EV Van Inspired by Largest Passenger Jet

The L380, a massive electric van from LEVC, is inspired by the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet. It's a design that's sure to turn heads.

Front view of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N electric vehicle with sophisticated design and lighting.
Credit: pexels.com, Front view of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N electric vehicle with sophisticated design and lighting.

With an 8-passenger layout, this vehicle is perfect for groups who want to travel in comfort. The A380's sheer size is a great reference point for the L380's designers.

The L380 measures over 17 feet in length, or 5.3 meters, to be exact. That's a big vehicle!

Flying on an A380 is a unique experience, with the plane's massive size making it hard to tell it's taking off or landing. The L380's designers must have been inspired by this sense of grandeur.

This electric van is designed to get groups around in comfort, just like the A380 cruises at 35,000 feet.

Ownership and Structure

Geely Auto is a publicly listed company within Zhejiang Geely Holding, a conglomerate largely owned by Li Shufu. Zhejiang Geely Holding is the largest shareholder of Geely Auto, holding 39.94% of its stake.

At least 76% of Geely Auto's stake is held by companies connected to Li Shufu. Geely Auto fully owns Geely, Geely Galaxy, and Radar Auto (Riddara) brands, while Lynk & Co ownership is shared with Zeekr, another Geely Auto subsidiary.

Here's a breakdown of the ownership structure:

Geely Auto controls 75% of Geely's financing arm, Genius Auto Finance Co., Ltd.

2024 Restructuring

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In November 2024, Geely Holding Group refined the equity structures of its subsidiaries as part of a broader restructuring strategy.

Geely transferred its 11.3% stake in Zeekr Intelligent Technology to Geely Automobile Holdings, increasing Geely Auto's ownership in Zeekr to 62.8%.

Zeekr then acquired a 20% stake in Lynk & Co from Geely Auto for 3.6 billion yuan and an additional 30% from Volvo Cars for 5.4 billion yuan, securing a 51% majority stake in Lynk & Co while Geely Auto retained 49%.

Radar Auto, an electric pickup brand, was integrated into Geely Auto in 2024.

In July 2025, Geely Auto officially signed a merger agreement with Zeekr, acquiring all remaining Zeekr shares it did not already own, making Zeekr a wholly owned subsidiary of Geely Auto.

Should Volvo Take Polestar Private?

Taking a cue from Bernstein's investment research, Volvo's parent company Geely has been making moves that could potentially lead to Polestar being taken private. Geely has a sub-brand called Galaxy, which has just launched its first all-electric model, the E8.

Credit: youtube.com, What if Polestar Went Private! Volvo (Geely) Buy Out $PSNY?

This new model starts at a price below $25,000, making it a competitive entry in the Chinese market. The Galaxy E8 is a sleek sedan that boasts some impressive EV technology.

Geely's involvement with Polestar and its own Galaxy brand suggests that the company may be looking to streamline its operations. Taking Polestar private could be a way to do this.

The Galaxy E8's launch in China is a significant development, and it will be interesting to see how it performs in the market.

On a similar theme: Galaxy Entertainment Group

Who Owns?

Geely is primarily owned by its founder, Li Shufu, who serves as the chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. He holds a significant amount of shares in the company.

Li Shufu's ownership stake is substantial, with at least 76% of Geely Auto's stake held by companies connected to him. This includes Zhejiang Geely Holding, which is the largest shareholder of Geely Auto, holding 39.94% of the stake.

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Zhejiang Geely Holding also owns a significant portion of Proper Glory Holding Inc., a holding company that holds 26.2% of Geely Auto's stake. This further solidifies Li Shufu's control over the company.

Here's a breakdown of the ownership structure of Geely Auto:

Geely is not a state-owned company, but rather a privately held company with significant private ownership. This has allowed Geely to grow rapidly and expand internationally.

Brands and Ownership

Geely Holding Group owns a diverse range of automotive brands, including Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, FarizonAuto, Lotus, LEVC, Polestar, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, and Proton.

The company's portfolio has undergone significant restructuring in recent years, with Geely transferring its 11.3% stake in Zeekr to Geely Automobile Holdings in November 2024.

Geely Auto owns the main Geely Auto brand and its sub-brand Geely Galaxy, and partly owns Lynk & Co, Proton Cars, Radar Auto, London EV Company, and Zeekr brands.

Here are some of the key brands and their ownership structures:

  • Geely Auto: Main brand of Geely Group, primarily sold in China and select overseas markets.
  • Volvo Cars: Swedish car manufacturer owned by Geely Holding Group.
  • Lynk & Co: Connectivity and shared mobility vehicles, partly owned by Geely Auto and Volvo Cars.
  • Lynk & Co ownership structure: Geely Auto (49%), Zeekr (51% after acquisition in 2025).
  • Zeekr: Premium electric mobility technology brand, wholly owned by Geely Auto after merger in 2025.
  • Proton: 49.9% owned Malaysian automotive company, bought by Geely in June 2017.

In 2017, Geely acquired Terrafugia, an American maker of flying cars, and invested €3.25 billion into Volvo Group, a former parent company of Volvo Cars.

Subsidiaries and Investments

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Geely Auto has a vast network of subsidiaries and investments, making it a significant player in the automotive industry.

Geely Auto Group is a key subsidiary responsible for managing brands like Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Proton Cars, and Geometry. Geely Auto is the best-selling Chinese brand for several years, focusing on mass-market passenger vehicles.

Lynk & Co, a trendy and tech-focused vehicle brand, targets younger, urban consumers. It's developed with Volvo and is owned by Zeekr (51%) and Geely Auto (49%).

Proton Cars is a Malaysian national car brand, focusing on the Southeast Asian market. Geometry is a pure electric vehicle brand, formerly a standalone brand, now merged with Geely Galaxy.

Zeekr is a premium battery electric vehicle brand, owned by Geely Automobile Holdings. It focuses on high-performance, luxury EVs.

Here's a list of some of Geely's notable subsidiaries:

Geely also has investments in other companies, such as a 9.69% stake in Mercedes-Benz Group and a 7.6% stake in Aston Martin Lagonda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Geely use Toyota engines?

Geely uses a 1.5 L engine designed by Toyota Motor Corporation, but it's not a direct Toyota engine. The engine is licensed for production by Geely's subsidiary Xiali.

Is Geely stock a good buy?

Geely stock is considered a strong buy by analysts, with a consensus rating of Strong Buy and 22.27% upside potential. If you're considering investing, it's worth exploring the latest analyst opinions and market trends for a more informed decision.

Colleen Pouros

Senior Copy Editor

Colleen Pouros is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision. With a career spanning over two decades, she has honed her skills in refining complex concepts and presenting them in a clear, concise manner. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, including the intricacies of the banking system and the far-reaching implications of its failures.

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