Geely delivers first batch of GC9 sedans to become part of Beijing diplomatic fleet

Geely's chairman Li Shufu (left) and assistant foreign minister Qian Hongshan attend the GC9 sedan handover ceremony on March 20.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Geely Holding Group has delivered its first batch of 20 GC9 sedans to the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, for which a handover ceremony was held in Beijing on Friday.

The vehicles will be used for the service bureau to provide professional car services for foreign diplomats and organizations in China.

They were provided as part of an agreement reached last October, under which Geely will provide the bureau with 50 of its flagship sedans for diplomatic use.

More than 200 people participated in the ceremony, including Geely's chairman Li Shufu, assistant foreign minister Qian Hongshan, Belgium Ambassador to China Michel Malherbe, Uruguay Ambassador to China Rosario Portell, and foreign diplomats from 16 countries.

The agreement between Geely and the bureau is seen as a notable landmark in the usage of local-brand vehicles by civil servants and diplomatic personnel, as German brand Audi filled the role for many years.

With the Chinese government continuing to encourage the use of local-brand cars for such purposes and the rise in local brands' manufacturing and design levels, the Geely GC9 was selected.

"This is a real milestone for Chinese brands and should be a source of national pride," said An Conghui, president of Geely Holding Group.

"We're honored that Beijing Diplomatic Service Bureau has selected the GC9 and recognizes its status as a vehicle China can be truly proud of. I am delighted that Geely vehicles can make such a meaningful contribution and I am sure Chinese and foreign diplomats alike will enjoy the quality and beauty of the GC9," An said.

He said the GC9 will have a positive impact on the Chinese auto industry and increase confidence in local car brands.

"In the wake of the Two Sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Chinese economy is presenting new opportunities. Against this backdrop, Geely is willing to contribute to China's economic transformation by dedicating itself to developing the national economy and taking high-quality Chinese products to the world," An said.