Geely Auto Group is officially entering the UK market. The company’s first model is the all-electric EX5 SUV, which made its public debut at the Octopus Electric Vehicles Drive Day, with first sales expected towards the end of 2025.
The EX5 is Geely’s first passenger car operation in Europe, and is part of its strategy of tailoring market entries to local conditions. In the UK, that means integrating local dealers, suppliers, and partners under a “one country, one policy” approach designed to keep operations streamlined while adapting to regional preferences.
A Global Strategy
Geely’s entry into the UK is part of its “Five by Five” globalisation strategy. The plan involves expanding through five global hubs: design, R&D, testing, powertrain, and AI. The aim is to drive innovation and increase its footprint across more than 80 countries.
In 2024, Geely Auto had record-breaking sales with over 2.1 million vehicles sold. This was a 34% year-on-year increase. Exports also saw a rise of 57% to 414,522 units, achieving far more than its 380,000-unit target. The brand launched 16 new models in markets across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, and now operates 891 sales and service outlets globally. That figure is expected to be at least 1,100 by the end of 2025, with the UK among the key markets.
EX5
The Geely EX5, a right-hand drive, all-electric C-segment SUV, is the company’s first offering for British roads. It’s already been through a series of customer clinics, including a recent appearance at the Company Car in Action event at Millbrook Proving Ground, aimed at fleet buyers, which is a priority segment for Geely in the UK.
“We know the Geely EX5 is a great product with several core features that will appeal to a British audience. That’s why we chose it to be our first passenger car for sale in the UK. However, we’re aware that UK customers have unique demands. For that reason, before we release the car for sale, we’re working with the experts at Lotus Engineering to make sure we have a car that’s in line with expectations. Lotus Engineering has a formidable track record along with some of the best R&D resources, so we’re delighted to be working closely with them.”
Mike Yang, General Manager at Geely Auto UK
To make sure the EX5 meets British expectations, Geely has been working with Lotus Engineering for final chassis and dynamics assessments. The team has undergone testing at the Lotus test track, on public roads, and on a multi-post rig.
“As a global leader in vehicle dynamics, Lotus Engineering was proud to be asked by a Geely partner company to give our expert opinion on the Geely EX5. Our world-class experts and access to advanced facilities meant we could provide an independent assessment of the Geely EX5’s dynamics, performance in class and potential Europe-specific tuning before it goes on sale in the UK.”
Lee Jeffcoat, Commercial Director, Lotus Engineering
Geely plans to open its UK customer channels later this summer, ahead of the Q4 launch.
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