Geely Automobile Holdings said Friday it is preparing a Canadian launch next year and has begun setting up a sales and service network in the country in advance of the 2027 start. The company did not say when sales would begin or which models it will sell. Its lineup spans premium electric brands like Zeekr and Lynk & Co, alongside more affordable options.
Market entry decisions depend as much on tariffs as on consumer demand. Market Briefs covers the auto trade free every weekday.
The timing follows a January deal that permits a limited number of Chinese electric vehicle exports to Canada. With trade tensions with the US intensifying, the administration of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is looking to broaden alliances by allowing Chinese automakers in and trying to attract their investments. Chinese carmakers are expanding globally with one big caveat - the US has high tariffs and restrictions on connected vehicles that effectively keep Chinese vehicles out of America.
Earlier this year, a Bloomberg piece noted Geely was already putting the pieces in place for a Canadian push. Competitors BYD Co. and Chery Automobile Co. have likewise been recruiting retail partners and building out distribution networks. Bryan Wu, who serves as Geely Auto Canada's managing director, described the effort as a "long-term commitment," and said, "Canada represents an important next step in Geely Auto's international growth."
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