China's Geely launches in UK, first model to be electric EX5 SUV

Chinese automaker Geely Automobile (0175) said on Wednesday that it was launching its Geely brand in Britain and its first vehicle to go on sale in the country will be the electric EX5 SUV, which will go on sale in the fourth quarter.

The automaker said in a statement that the EX5, which is still undergoing "intensive development work" to meet British car buyers' standards, will be the first in a "diverse range of high-quality, accessible vehicles tailored for the UK."

Geely joins a number of other Chinese brands that have already started sales in the UK, including BYD (1211), Chery's Omoda and Jaecoo brands and Xpeng (9868).

Britain is Europe's biggest market for electric vehicles and, unlike the European Union, has not imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars.

Geely has already announced plans to launch the EX5 in a number of markets outside China, including Australia, Brazil and Poland.

The company's Volvo Cars, Lotus and Polestar units already sell cars in Britain.

Last year, Geely global sales rose 34 percent to nearly 2.2 million vehicles.

Reuters