Chinese auto giant Geely Auto Group has officially entered the Italian automobile market in partnership with Jameel Motors, signaling a major milestone in its European expansion strategy. This move also marks the beginning of an aggressive electric vehicle (EV) offensive, as Geely aims to become a dominant player in Europe’s rapidly electrifying automotive landscape.

The collaboration with Jameel Motors, a subsidiary of Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises, is expected to streamline Geely’s operations in Italy and lay the foundation for a long-term European presence through local partnerships, direct-to-customer models, and sustainable mobility solutions.

Let’s break down what this entry means, what Geely has planned for Italy, and why this matters in the global EV race.

🌍 Why Italy? The Strategic Importance

Italy may not be the largest EV market in Europe, but it holds strategic importance for several reasons:

• Strong automotive culture: Italy is home to legacy brands like Fiat, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.
• Growing EV interest: Though adoption is slower than in Norway or Germany, the Italian EV market is growing steadily.
• Gateway to Southern Europe: Italy provides access to Spain, France, and other southern European markets.
• Skilled automotive workforce and established distribution networks.

Geely’s move is not just about selling cars in Italy — it’s a calculated step to plant a foothold in Western Europe for wider expansion.

🤝 Geely and Jameel Motors: A Strategic Partnership

Geely’s collaboration with Jameel Motors provides an ideal launchpad for the brand in Italy. Jameel Motors, backed by Abdul Latif Jameel — a global mobility and investment group — brings:

• Strong retail and logistics experience
• Automotive market know-how in Europe and the Middle East
• Established networks for after-sales services

This partnership ensures that Geely can localize its offerings, respond faster to customer needs, and build trust in a new market.

🚗 First Models to Launch: Spotlight on Geometry and Lynk & Co

Geely is entering Italy with a multi-brand strategy, bringing in both its proprietary and sub-brands to address different market segments.

1. Geometry C (EV Hatchback)

• Compact urban electric hatch
• Range: ~400 km
• Ideal for city dwellers and small families
• Competitive pricing to rival Renault Zoe and VW ID.3

2. Lynk & Co 01 (Plug-in Hybrid SUV)

• Co-developed with Volvo
• Shared CMA platform
• Stylish, tech-loaded SUV with flexible subscription models

3. Zeekr and Smart (Expected Later)

• Zeekr is Geely’s premium EV brand
• Smart, the electric micro-car brand, co-owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz

These offerings will cater to both value and premium-conscious buyers, giving Italian consumers multiple reasons to consider a Geely.

⚙️ Technology and Innovation: Geely’s Real Strength

What sets Geely apart from other new entrants is its control over the full EV value chain — from battery manufacturing to software development. Some of the tech advantages Geely brings to Europe include:

• GEEA 2.0 EV platform
• In-house battery packs and BMS systems
• Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates
• Strong R&D backing from Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus
• Shared platforms like SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture)

Geely is not just selling EVs; it’s offering a future-ready ecosystem.

📊 Market Strategy: Direct-to-Consumer and Subscriptions

Unlike traditional carmakers, Geely and Lynk & Co are experimenting with direct-to-consumer models, showrooms in city centers, and vehicle subscription plans.

Lynk & Co, for instance, allows customers in some markets to:

• Subscribe monthly without long-term commitments
• Share cars using digital keys
• Avoid ownership headaches like insurance and maintenance

Such models are expected to resonate with Italy’s younger, urban population, who prefer flexibility over full ownership.

🔋 Sustainability and EV Infrastructure Support

As part of its EV offensive, Geely is also expected to contribute to local EV infrastructure development, either independently or through partners. This could include:

• EV charging station collaborations
• Battery recycling systems
• Partnerships with Italian energy providers
• Carbon-neutral operations in logistics and assembly

Sustainability is not just a buzzword here — it’s a pillar of Geely’s European game plan.

🏆 Geely’s Global Momentum and European Expansion

Geely Auto has emerged as China’s most globally integrated auto company, owning or partnering with several premium global brands:

• Volvo Cars (Full Ownership)
• Polestar (Performance EV brand)
• Lotus (Performance and electric cars)
• Smart (Joint venture with Mercedes-Benz)
• Zeekr (Premium EV)

Now, with its entrance into Italy, Geely has laid the groundwork for a full-scale European takeover, with Germany, France, Spain, and the UK likely on its radar next.

📈 How It Affects the Italian and European EV Market

Geely’s entry comes at a time when Europe is shifting gears on vehicle electrification:

• The EU’s 2035 ban on new ICE cars is approaching.
• Domestic automakers like Fiat, Peugeot, and Renault are lagging in EV innovation.
• Tesla, BYD, and now Geely are stepping in to fill the innovation gap.

This move will increase competition, lower EV prices, and pressure legacy brands to speed up their transition.

🚀 What to Expect Next?

In the coming months, you can expect:

• Official brand launches and showroom openings in Milan, Rome, and Turin
• Introduction of subscription and online sales platforms
• Marketing campaigns focused on youth, urban lifestyle, and sustainability
• Launch of Zeekr and Smart EVs in 2025
• Possible local assembly or CKD operations by 2026

Geely’s ambition is not just to participate — it’s to lead the EV transformation in Southern Europe.

🏁 Final Thoughts: A New Contender in the European Arena

Geely Auto’s entry into Italy with Jameel Motors is not just a commercial expansion — it is a symbolic breakthrough. It represents a shift in power from legacy automakers to tech-driven, future-focused global brands.

With its bold EV offensive, advanced technology, and consumer-first strategies, Geely is positioning itself as a key disruptor in Europe’s auto market. Italian customers, known for their style and performance preferences, now have a new option that’s as smart as it is sustainable.

The EV revolution in Europe just got a powerful new player.