Geely launches first global new energy vehicle in UK

Geely Auto Group unveiled its Geely EX5, its first global new energy vehicle, at an investor roadshow on Thursday in London, England, marking a significant step forward in its global expansion strategy.

The EX5 is Geely's first pure electric strategic model to be launched in the United Kingdom and is designed to meet high standards of quality and aesthetics for local consumers, reflecting Geely's global approach to design and innovation.

Gan Jiayue, CEO of Geely Auto Group, highlighted the company's technology-driven approach to global growth at the launch event.

As a technology-driven global automotive company, Geely has established a comprehensive global strategic system comprising five design centers, five engineering R&D centers, five testing hubs, five energy technology formats, and five AI intelligent ecosystems, he said.

During the past 11 years, Geely has invested more than 250 billion yuan ($35.1 billion) in research and development, driving innovation in both vehicle architecture, battery systems, motor systems, electronic control systems, safety, and intelligent technologies, Gan added.

Geely now operates 64 satellites, which complete its first-phase deployment and enables global satellite communication services, strengthening the company's technological foundation for intelligent connected vehicles.

Statistics show that from January to September, Geely Auto Group delivered 2.17 million vehicles, a 46 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Among them, 1.17 million were NEVs, up 114 percent year-on-year.

In September alone, Geely's NEV penetration rate rose from 6.2 percent in 2021 to 60.5 percent, nearly a tenfold increase in four years, making Geely among the fastest-growing new energy automakers in the world.

The UK has emerged as one of the largest and fastest-growing NEV markets in Europe, with electric vehicle sales up 34.6 percent in the first half of 2025.

Geely has said it regards the UK as a strategic hub for its European operations and it plans to leverage the country's mature automotive ecosystem and stringent standards to expand into Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and other key markets.

Yang Jun, Geely Auto UK general manager, said Geely has established 25 operational dealers in the UK and plans to reach 40 by the end of 2025 and 100 by 2026, achieving nationwide coverage and providing efficient, convenient, and reliable services.

The new model unveiled on Thursday has already been launched in 33 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Poland, and Greece. In the future, the model will expand into additional high-capacity, premium markets, including South Africa, and Italy.

Building on the launch of the EX5, Geely plans to roll out a series of new electric models, creating a comprehensive product lineup across multiple market segments to cater to the diverse mobility needs of global consumers.

Over the next five years, the company plans to launch 15 new models and establish more than 1,000 dealerships and service centers, aiming to become a mainstream automotive brand and open a new chapter for Chinese automakers in Europe.