Geely Auto enters UK market

HERE’S another name for business users to remember: Geely.

OK, perhaps you might have heard of Geely before. After all, the Chinese car maker has in its group such esteemed names as Volvo Cars, Polestar and Lotus, not to mention Zeekr which is also coming to the UK shortly.

But now Geely Auto is entering the UK market in its own right with an all-electric mid-size SUV model called the EX5.

While technical specifications for the all-electric SUV are still under wraps, global markets offer the model with either a 49.5kWh or 60.2kWh battery pack. These options deliver up to 267 miles of range and power a 218hp front-mounted motor.

Look out for leasing deals of the new car in the last quarter of this year. In the meantime, Geely Auto is fine tuning the EX5 for the UK market, using the expertise of Lotus Engineering.

Mike Yang, General Manager at Geely Auto UK, commented on the programme at Lotus, saying: “We know the Geely EX5 is a great product with several core features that will appeal to a British audience. That’s why we chose it to be our first passenger car for sale in the UK. However, we’re aware that UK customers have unique demands.

“For that reason, before we release the car for sale, we’re working with the experts at Lotus Engineering to make sure we have a car that’s in line with expectations. Lotus Engineering has a formidable track record along with some of the best R&D resources, so we’re delighted to be working closely with them.”

Geely Auto says that fleet sales are likely to be a big focus for the brand, particularly with the EX5, and has already introduced the model to fleet customers at the annual Company Car in Action event held on 11 and 12 June at Millbrook Proving Ground.

Geely Auto says it is setting up a network of sales points and after sales to provide full support to the brand’s UK entry.