Geely Auto UK has marked its first anniversary since launching in this country and discussed ambitious growth plans for 2027 and beyond.
The brand says that after its first year in the UK it has registered more than 15,000 cars, opened an 80-site dealer network and taken on nearly 100 employees, as well as opened a new headquarters at Ansty Business Park in Coventry.
It says it is on target to achieve 20,000 registrations for the full-year 2026, having recorded its strongest month yet in September with 5,155 registrations, and that next year its target will be to more than double this to 45,000 registrations.
Ensure you always get AM insight. Make us a preferred source of news on Google.
To help facilitate this, Geely plans to eventually have between 130 and 140 UK dealerships, with 100 open by the end of 2026 – the brand signed the contract for its 100th location earlier this week.
It also plans for a further three models to join its UK range next year, adding to its current three-vehicle line-up.
The Geely Auto brand is part of China’s Geely Group, which also owns brands including Volve, Polestar and Lotus.
Michael Yang, managing director at Geely Auto UK, said: “Our first year has been one that we can be incredibly proud of as a team as we have achieved so much. We came to the UK with a long-term ambition, and in just 12 months we have built a growing team, established a retail network, welcomed thousands of customers to the brand and opened our new home in Coventry.
“But this is only the beginning. Our ambition is not simply to sell cars; it is to build a credible business that earns the trust of customers and makes a lasting contribution to the UK automotive market.”
Dealer network profitability important
Despite its rapidly expansion, Geely says its priority for its UK dealer network is not to add numbers, but to maximise throughput, viability and profitability for each site.
Yang said: “Being successful in the UK and being a credible market player means being part of the UK automotive industry. That means investing in people, working with strong retail partners, providing customers with the support they expect and contributing to the communities in which we operate.
Related reading: Geely Monjaro plug-in hybrid to expand UK SUV range
“We want Geely Auto to be recognised not just as a new car brand, but as a serious and committed participant in the UK automotive market.”