What is the development history of Geely Automobile?

[Corinne]

In 1986, Geely started its business; in 1996, Geely Group Co., Ltd. was established; in 1997, Geely entered the automobile industry; in 2002, Geely Automobile ranked among the top ten Chinese automobile enterprises; in 2003, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. was established; in 2010, it acquired Volvo Cars; in 2012, it entered the Fortune Global 500; in 2018, it acquired a 9.69% voting stake in Daimler, becoming its largest shareholder, etc. Relevant information: Geely Automobile: Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (Geely Automobile) is the only private passenger car production and operation enterprise among the top ten domestic automobile industry enterprises in China, established in 1986. Industries involved: After thirty years of construction and development, it has achieved brilliant results in automobiles, motorcycles, automobile engines, transmissions, automotive electronics, and automobile parts.

[VonAniyah]

Let me start from the beginning of Geely's history. In the 1980s and 1990s, Li Shufu initially made his start by producing refrigerator parts, and it wasn't until 1997 that Geely truly entered the automotive industry, launching economical models like the Haoqing, which imitated Toyota. At that time, the cars were cheap but often had minor issues, such as unresponsive brakes or excessive noise. Later, Geely penetrated rural and small city markets with its low-price strategy and sold quite well. After 2000, they independently designed the Free Cruiser, improving quality gradually and building some reputation. The game-changer came in 2010 with the bold acquisition of Volvo, absorbing international safety standards and making increasingly reliable cars. Nowadays, new models like the Xingyue adopt electric platforms, featuring luxurious interiors and enhanced performance. Geely's transformation from a copycat to a leading brand mirrors the leap of China's automotive industry—every time I test drive a new model, I can't help but give it a thumbs up.

[DeStella]

I'm particularly fascinated by Geely's innovation history. Early Geely cars lagged in technology, but rapid improvements came through strategic acquisitions, like the 2010 Volvo purchase which brought airbag and body structure technologies. Now they're making strong moves in electrification, launching the Zeekr brand with 800V ultra-fast charging systems, and developing autonomous driving by integrating high-definition maps with AI chips. Geely also invests in battery plants to secure supply chain stability. From CMA architecture applications to new models like the Galaxy series, the tech vibe is strong. As a tech enthusiast, I've watched Geely progressively master core patents, developing models with over 600km range that completely shatter the stereotype of cheap/low-quality. Geely's history proves domestic brands can compete in premium markets.

[AshleyRose]

I've been driving a Geely car for five years. The first-generation Emgrand was practical but rough. After switching to the new Boyue PRO, I felt a huge difference: the noise insulation is well-handled, the electric seats are comfortably adjustable, and the smart infotainment system responds quickly. Looking back at Geely's development, it started as a business in 1986 and began producing low-cost cars in 1997 to gain a foothold. After 2000, it gradually upgraded, such as introducing stringent testing standards after acquiring Volvo, resulting in fewer issues. Now, Geely's cars are priced lower than joint-venture brands but come fully equipped. As an owner, I pay attention to detail upgrades during every maintenance, like the more user-friendly headlight adjustments. Geely's journey from imitation to innovation hasn't disappointed me.

[Ortiz]

Covering automotive news for years, Geely's transformation has been remarkable. Founded in 1986 with a slow start, it established itself with economy cars by the late 1990s. The 2010 Volvo acquisition marked its international expansion, followed by becoming Daimler's major shareholder, integrating Lotus technology, and launching Lynk & Co to capture the European market. Geely has invested in new energy battery plants, witnessing soaring EV sales. Collaborating with Baidu on smart cockpits and unveiling flying car concepts, this journey showcases strategic vision—evolving from a local player to a global contender, perfectly timing each industry trend.