A Geely Xingyuan electric hatchback at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025. Credit: CnEVPost
- The Geely brand has begun establishing local operations and a retail and service network in Canada, with initial models yet to be announced.
- Canada reached a low-tariff EV quota agreement with China this year, opening the door for Chinese automakers to expand into the market.
Geely Auto (HKEX: 0175) announced its main Geely brand’s entry into Canada, with plans to introduce its first models to local consumers in 2027 as it expands its overseas presence.
The company has begun establishing local operations and developing a retail and service network ahead of a commercial launch next year, it said in a statement on Friday.
Geely has yet to disclose its initial Canadian models, powertrain options or pricing. It said details about its products and retail locations would be released as preparations for the launch progress.
Canada represents an important step in the brand’s international growth, said Bryan Wu, managing director of Geely Auto Canada. The company is making a long-term commitment and will build customer support through local partnerships, he said.
Geely said it is developing its retail and service network with experienced partners who understand the local market and can support customers throughout their ownership.
The announcement concerns the main Geely brand. Geely Auto Group also includes Zeekr and Lynk & Co, and vehicles from its brands are on the road in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.
Canada’s shift in trade policy toward China-made electric vehicles this year has created opportunities for Chinese automakers to expand locally, prompting several companies to prepare to enter the market.
Canada reached an agreement with China in January to allow up to 49,000 China-made EVs into the country annually at the most-favored-nation tariff rate of 6.1%.
Canada had imposed an additional 100% tariff on China-made EVs starting in October 2024, on top of the existing 6.1% duty, sharply raising the cost of bringing those vehicles into the market.
Lotus, part of the broader Geely Holding Group, had already moved ahead with exports to Canada. The brand said on May 7 that its first batch of 18 Eletre vehicles had been loaded onto a ship bound for the country.
Other Chinese automakers are also preparing to enter Canada. Bloomberg reported in July that Dongfeng Motor was pursuing local vehicle certification, with its distributor saying at the time that the first 2 models could be introduced in 2027.
For Geely, overseas expansion is providing significant support for overall sales, while its sales in China remain under pressure this year.
Geely Auto exported 797,670 vehicles in the first 9 months of the year, up 169% from a year earlier, according to data compiled by CnEVPost. Sales in China fell 23.28% to 1,437,811 vehicles over the same period.
The company’s total sales rose 3.01% to 2,235,481 vehicles in the first 9 months. Sales of the main Geely brand, including Geely Galaxy, fell 1.91% to 1,750,960 vehicles.
Geely Auto exported 106,685 vehicles in September, up 162% year-on-year but down 3% from August, ending 8 consecutive months of record exports.
