Automaker establishes Canadian leadership team and begins building retail and service network ahead of vehicle launches next year

The Chinese automaker Geely has formally announced its entry into the Canadian vehicle market.

In a press release, Geely Auto Canada, based in Markham, Ont., says its Canadian leadership team is now in place, and it is working to establish “a retail and service network ahead of introducing its first vehicles to Canadian consumers in 2027.”

The company has not identified which models it plans to bring to Canada. Geely Auto, which is based in Hangzhou, China, produces battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and gasoline-powered vehicles. The brand has not confirmed whether its Canadian lineup will consist exclusively of  zero-emission vehicles or include a mix of powertrains.

Global reach

Behind its namesake brand, Geely Auto Group also includes the Chinese nameplates Zeekr, Lynk & Co. and Proton. Its parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, also has interests in brands already sold in Canada, including Volvo, Lotus and Polestar.

Geely Auto Group sells vehicles in more than 100 countries globally. Last year, it sold more than 3.02 million vehicles, including nearly 1.69 million of what it calls “new energy vehicles,” a category that includes BEVs and PHEVs.

“Canada represents an important next step in Geely Auto’s international growth,” said Bryan Wu, managing director of Geely Auto Canada.

“We are entering this market with a long-term commitment, bringing our global technology and engineering capabilities to Canadian drivers while building strong local partnerships and the support customers need to feel confident in choosing Geely. We know that trust is earned over time, and we are committed to earning it here.”

Part of a Chinese wave

The company will release more information on Canadian models, as well as retail and service locations, closer to its commercial launch in 2027.

In January, Prime Minister Mark Carney replaced 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese EVs with a most-favoured-nation tariff rate of 6.1 per cent, along with imposing a yearly quota of 49,000 EVs. The changes took effect this past March and the quota will increase by 6.5 per cent annually.

Geely Auto Group is one of several Chinese automakers preparing to enter the Canadian market. Chery, Dongfeng and BYD have taken steps toward establishing a Canadian presence, while Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo brands are actively recruiting.