Geely Auto distributing EX5 electric SUV across UK
Geely Auto is now distributing its EX5 compact SUV across 25 franchised dealerships in the UK following the delivery of its first 1,000 units via the port of Bristol in November.
The Chinese carmaker said the first shipment marks a significant milestone for its business in the UK and it is seeing a strong consumer response, with preorders exceeding projections.
In its first full month of UK sales, Geely Auto has registered more than 350 vehicles. According to the company, that makes it the fastest-growing new Chinese brand in the past three years to deliver such rapid growth with only one electric vehicle in its line-up.
Geely aims to double the amount of dealerships in the UK by the end of this year and increase it to 100 in 2026.
"Entering the UK market marks a significant milestone in deepening Geely's European strategy and heralds a new chapter in electric mobility across Europe,” said Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto. “We are committed to delivering innovative and sustainable products while building enduring relationships of mutual trust with our customers and partners. Geely Auto looks forward to advancing alongside the European market and co-creating the future."
Geely is already selling vehicles in 12 European markets, including Poland, Greece and Croatia.
Dedicated logistics
The EX5s are manufactured at Geely’s new energy vehicle plant in Hangzhou Bay from where they are shipped to the UK. A spokesperson for Geely Auto said the carmaker is using its own dedicated vessels under Jisu Logistics, Geely Auto’s dedicated logistics arm, though the carmaker also works with a number of third parts ocean forwarders. Geely has a four-month lead time between orders and arrival of vehicles in the UK.
The company is using a mix of transport providers for inland distribution, with contracts organised according to region in the south, Midlands and north (including Scotland).
Geely is also shipping service parts from China which are stored in a dedicated Geely-owned facility in Coventry before being shipped locally.
Geely has had a presence in the UK since 2006 when it invested in the London Taxi Company, which later became LEVC, making zero-emission electric versions of the iconic London black cab. It has since expanded through strategic investments in Lotus and Aston Martin. Lotus has been supporting the development of the EX5 ahead of launch, assisting with suspension, damping and tuning for British roads. It is also supporting with pre-delivery inspection services at the port of Bristol.
