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Who is Geely Automotive, its brands and its owner?

March 21, 2025

If you know a bit about the car industry, or you've been doing your research about a particualr model, you might have heard the name Geely crop up a few times.

That because they're one of the biggest car makers in China - and therefore the world. Except unlike many of the big names in the western world like Ford or Volkswagen, not many people really know who Geely Automotive is.

Who is Geely Automotive?

Officially named and operating as Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Automotive is a prominent Chinese multinational automotive manufacturer.

It's one of China's largest privately-owned carmakers and has become well-known due to its rapid expansion and strategic acquisitions of several big-name European brands.

Geely has established on the world stage in the global automotive industry due to its expertise in electric vehicles and sustainable mobility, investing heavily in research and development and focusing on innovative technologies.

When was Geely founded?

Geely was founded in 1986 by Li Shufu in the city of Ningbo, situated within the Zhejiang province of China.

Initially, it began as a refrigerator parts manufacturer and later diversified into motorcycle production in the 1990s.

The company's automotive division, Geely Auto, launched in 1997, producing its first car in 1998.

Li Shifu

Where is Geely Car From?

Geely's headquarters are in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China.

Geely has expanded its manufacturing and research facilities across the globe, however, its core operations remain firmly rooted in China.

Who Owns Geely?

Geely is primarily owned by its founder, Li Shufu. He serves as the chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Although it is a privately held company, it has also issued publically traded stock through its subsidiaries.

Geely Automobile Holdings is a publicly listed entity on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Is Geely State Owned?

No, Geely is not a state-owned company. It is a privately held company, which distinguishes it from many other large Chinese corporations that have significant state involvement.

Geely was the first private owned automotive manufacturer in China, and through its private ownership it has allowed Geely grow rapidly and expand internationally.

What Brands Do Geely Own?

Geely Holding Group's automotive brands included:

  • Geely Auto - The core brand, producing a wide range of passenger vehicles
  • Volvo Cars - Swedish car manufacturer
  • Farizon - makers of the Farizon SV
  • Lotus - British sports car and racing car manufacturer
  • LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) - Coventry-based maker of the iconic London black cab
  • Polestar - Electric performance car brand
  • Zeekr - A premium electric mobility technology brand
  • Lynk & Co - Connectivity and shared mobility vehicles
  • Proton - 49.9% owned Malaysian automotive company bought in June 2017 from DRB-HICOM

Where are Geely cars and vans made?

Geely has established an extensive network of manufacturing facilities across China, including locations in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Taizhou, Chengdu, Jinzhong, Xi'an, Baoji, and Xiangtan.

Geely cars awaiting shipping at the docks in Peru

Where else in the world do they make vehicles?

There's limited production outside of China, however, Geely has established research and development centers in key international automotive hubs such as Gothenburg (Sweden), Coventry (UK), and Frankfurt (Germany).

The company operates global design studios in Shanghai, Gothenburg, Barcelona, California, and Coventry.

  • Polestar has production in Ridgeville, South Carolina in the United States.
  • LEVC produce their black cab and VN5 hybrid van in Coventry.
  • Volvo Cars produces vehicles in Sweden (Gothenburg/Torslanda) and Belgium (Ghent).

Does Geely Own Volvo?

Yes, Geely Holding Group owns Volvo Cars which is arguably the deal that put the Chinese car maker on the map.

When Did Geely Buy Volvo?

Geely acquired Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company in 2010.

What Else Does Geely Do?

Beyond automotive manufacturing, Geely Holding Group is involved in various sectors, including:

  • Mobility services - Geely has invested in ride-hailing and car-sharing platforms
  • Aerospace - Geely has ventured into the aerospace industry, developing low-orbit satellites and urban air mobility solutions (VTOL)
  • Technology development - Geely is heavily invested in research and development, focusing on electric vehicle technologies, autonomous driving, and connectivity
  • Financial services - Support for automotive and technology ventures
Geely EX5 cars

What Are the Geely Subsidiaries?

Brand NameOwnershipPrimary FocusMarket Segment
Geely AutoGeely Automobile Holdings (Majority Owned by ZGH)Mass-market passenger vehiclesBest-selling Chinese brand for several years
Lynk & CoZeekr (51%), Geely Auto (49%)Trendy, tech-focused vehicles (developed with Volvo)Targets younger, urban consumers
Proton CarsGeely Auto GroupMalaysian national car brandFocus on Southeast Asian market
GeometryGeely Auto Group (Merged with Geely Galaxy)Pure electric vehicles (formerly standalone)Entry-level to mid-range electric vehicles
ZeekrGeely Automobile Holdings (Owned by ZGH)Premium battery electric vehiclesHigh-performance, luxury EVs
Volvo CarsZhejiang Geely Holding GroupPremium passenger vehiclesFocus on safety, Scandinavian design
PolestarZhejiang Geely Holding Group (Volvo Cars & Geely)Electric performance vehiclesHigh-performance EVs, design-focused
SmartZhejiang Geely Holding Group (Joint venture with Mercedes-Benz)Electric microcars and compact vehiclesUrban mobility solutions
LotusZhejiang Geely Holding GroupHigh-performance sports cars and electric vehiclesFocus on lightweight engineering and driving dynamics
London EV CompanyZhejiang Geely Holding GroupElectric taxis and vansIconic London black cab, electric commercial vans
Radar (Riddara)Geely Auto Group (Formerly ZGH)Battery electric pick-up trucksTargets utility and lifestyle segments
Geely GalaxyGeely AutoMass-market new energy vehicles (PHEV & BEV)Broad range of electrified vehicles
Maple/LivanZhejiang Geely Holding Group (Joint venture with Lifan)Electric vehicles (rebranded Maple products)Focus on affordable electric mobility
Farizon AutoZhejiang Geely Holding GroupElectric commercial vehiclesTrucks, vans for logistics and urban transportation
OulingFarizon Auto (Sub-brand)Gasoline-powered micro trucksLower-end commercial vehicle segment
Zhejiang Geely Ming Industrial (Jiming & Geely)Zhejiang Geely Holding GroupMotorcyclesVarious motorcycle models
Qianjiang Motorcycle (QJMotor & Keeway)Zhejiang Geely Holding GroupMotorcyclesDiverse range of motorcycles, including sportbikes
BenelliZhejiang Geely Holding Group (Under Qianjiang)MotorcyclesItalian motorcycle brand
Jidu AutoJoint Venture (Baidu 55%, Geely 45%)Electric vehicles (future production)Focus on intelligent EVs with Baidu's technology

Geely's structure consists of a comprehensive network of subsidiaries and joint ventures.

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.

Within ZGH, Geely Automobile Holdings operates as a publicly listed company. Other significant subsidiaries and joint ventures under ZGH include Volvo Cars, Polestar, Proton, Smart, Lotus, London EV Company, Radar (Riddara), Maple/Livan, and Farizon Auto.

ZGH also has a motorcycle division which includes Zhejiang Geely Ming Industrial, Qianjiang Motorcycle, and Benelli.

CEVT (China Euro Vehicle Technology) functions as a research and development arm.

Jidu Auto represents a joint venture between ZGH and Baidu, focusing on the production of electric vehicles.

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.

Farizon's product line includes electric vans and light commercial vehicles, and also has a sub-brand called Ouling, which sells combustion-engined micro trucks.

What is Farizon Auto?

Farizon SV on a car transporter

While Geely is widely recognised for its passenger cars, it's growing its place in the LCV market with the European launch of the Farizon brand.

Established in 2016, Farizon Auto operates under the umbrella of the Geely Holding Group and focuses specifically on the development, production, and sales of electric commercial vehicles, including light trucks, vans, and buses.

Written by: George Barrow 

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