Geely Plans 2027 Canada Launch, Poised to Become First Chinese Mass-Market EV Maker in North America
Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. intends to enter the Canadian electric vehicle market in 2027, making it the first Chinese mass-market EV brand to establish a presence in North America. The expansion follows a January agreement between Ottawa and Beijing permitting limited Chinese EV exports to Canada.
Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. plans to launch in Canada in 2027, positioning itself as the first Chinese mass-market electric vehicle maker to establish a presence in the North American market. The company has already begun setting up a retail and service network in the country ahead of the planned start.
Bryan Wu, managing director of Geely Auto Canada, stated that the automaker is making a “long-term commitment” to the country. Geely owns premium EV brands including Zeekr and Lynk & Co, as well as more affordable offerings. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Geely was laying the groundwork for entry into Canada.
The move follows an agreement reached in January between Ottawa and Beijing to allow a limited number of Chinese EV exports to Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration is looking to forge new alliances, including by allowing Chinese automakers in and hoping to attract investments from them, as trade disputes deepen with the United States.
Chinese carmakers are expanding aggressively to markets around the world, with the notable exception of the U.S., which has steep tariffs and restrictions on connected vehicles that essentially ban Chinese vehicles from America. Chinese rivals BYD Co. and Chery Automobile Co. are also wooing dealers and setting up distribution in Canada.
Geely Auto’s push abroad comes amid shifting sales dynamics at home. The company's domestic sales in the first nine months of this year fell 23 per cent to 1.4 million vehicles. In contrast, Geely Auto’s exports surged 169 per cent to 798,000 vehicles during the same period.