Geely Eyes U.S. Entry with Zeekr and Lynk & Co Brands

Geely’s Growing Global Ambition

LAS VEGAS — January 2026 — Chinese automaker Geely Auto Group—parent company of Zeekr, Lynk & Co, and Polestar—has hinted that entering the U.S. market may be a matter of when, not if.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week, Geely executives stopped short of confirming a timeline but made clear that long-term expansion plans are under consideration.

We are pretty cautious entering the U.S. market. However, we’re exploring potential partnerships that could ease such an entrance.

Li Chuanhai, Geely Auto Group Vice President of Global R&D, via translator.

Impressive Lineup Demonstrated in the U.S.

During a ride-and-drive event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Geely showcased models from its three key brands: Geely, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co. Reviewers noted strong driving dynamics, premium interiors, and high build quality.

Among the vehicles tested:

• Geely EX5 — A compact all-electric SUV with a 214 hp single-motor setup, based on the GEA platform (shared with Volvo XC40). Smooth, quiet, and responsive, it’s priced for the family EV market.
• Zeekr 7X — A luxury dual-motor crossover producing 637 hp and 524 lb-ft of torque, offering performance comparable to the Audi Q6 e-tron and Tesla Model Y.
• Zeekr X — Built on the same platform as the Volvo EX30, but with a more conventional design and comfort-focused interior. Dual motors deliver 428 hp and quick acceleration.

The main critique was interface inconsistency—different control layouts and menu systems across models—but overall impressions were highly positive.

Geely’s EVs feel mature, confident, and market-ready. The only question is how and when they’ll arrive.

Advanced Hybrids Expand the Portfolio

Geely’s lineup extends beyond EVs. Its Lynk & Co. 09 and 08 Super Hybrid models highlight the brand’s plug-in hybrid strategy.

• The Lynk & Co. 08 Super Hybrid combines a 40-kWh battery with a 1.5L gasoline engine, offering up to 124 miles (200 km) of electric range and 870 miles (1,400 km) combined range.
• The Zeekr 9X plug-in hybrid SUV, which boasts three electric motors and a 70-kWh battery, produces 1,341 hp and supports 900V ultra-fast charging (20–80% in under 9 minutes).

These technologies are expected to appear in smaller Geely-brand models over the next few years, according to Giovanni Lanfranchi, Geely’s European R&D Chief.

Which Brand Might Enter the U.S.?

While Lynk & Co. was initially viewed as Geely’s most likely U.S. entry point due to its digital-first, subscription-based sales model, executives have since downplayed that strategy.

The subscription model depends on market maturity. We have no current plans to introduce it in the U.S.

Instead, Zeekr appears to be the leading candidate for U.S. entry. The tech-oriented premium brand already has experience adapting its infotainment systems for European markets and long-standing partnerships with Waymo and Volvo.

Zeekr can reconfigure its platform and interface to meet regional preferences. It has the agility to enter new markets effectively.

Potential Manufacturing and Partnerships

Rather than immediately building new U.S. factories, Geely may leverage existing global assets.

• In 2024, it acquired a 26.4% stake in Renault do Brasil, allowing assembly of Geely vehicles in South America.
• It also partners with Renault-Samsung in South Korea, where Polestar 4 is built for export.
• Executives hinted that Volvo’s factories in Ghent (Belgium) and Ridgeville (South Carolina) could potentially assemble Zeekr or Geely vehicles for the U.S. market.

This flexible global production approach could enable Geely to comply with local sourcing and trade regulations without heavy upfront investment.

Pricing Strategy: The Key to Success

In China, the Geely EX5 starts at under $16,000, while the Zeekr 7X begins around $32,000. Prices rise to $30,000–40,000 in Australia and $40,000–52,000 in Mexico.

If introduced in the U.S., pricing will determine market success—Geely must balance value, positioning, and brand recognition among competitors ranging from Volkswagen ID.4 to Tesla Model Y.

Whichever model Geely brings, its U.S. pricing will define whether it competes with mainstream or premium EVs.

Outlook: A Cautious but Confident Expansion

Geely calls itself “the world’s fastest-growing automaker,” having sold 3.02 million vehicles in 2025, including 1.69 million new energy vehicles (up 90% year-on-year). It aims for 3.45 million total sales in 2026, with EVs and hybrids reaching 2.22 million units.

While no U.S. launch date is confirmed, industry insiders expect a two- to three-year window before a formal debut—possibly involving local manufacturing partnerships to overcome tariffs and regulatory challenges.