Geely aims for global podium: Chinese giant attacks Top 5 car manufacturers by 2030

The "invisible" giant Geely wants to conquer the world podium: Target of 6.5 million vehicles by 2030

While names like Toyota or Volkswagen are on the lips of all Europeans, a name from the East is starting to reconfigure the map of the global automotive industry. Geely Holding Group, BYD's main private rival, recently launched an extremely ambitious strategic plan: reaching the threshold of 6.5 million vehicles sold annually by 2030, a figure that would propel them directly into the top 5 global automakers.

Who is Geely? Portrait of a discreet giant

For many Western consumers, Geely is still an exotic name. However, under the "umbrella" of this Chinese group are brands that we see on the streets every day. Founded in 1986 as a refrigerator manufacturer and only entering the automotive industry in 1997, Geely has become famous for its smart purchasing strategy:

• Volvo: In 2010, Geely saved the Swedish brand, giving it the resources it needed to become a premium player again.
• Polestar & Zeekr: Luxury divisions focused exclusively on electric performance.
• Lotus: The famous British sports car manufacturer is now majority-controlled by the Chinese group.
• Lynk & Co: A revolutionary brand that proposes subscription-based usage models, extremely popular among young people in Western Europe.

Basically, Geely learned the "recipe" for success in the West through these established brands, and now it is ready to impose its own name on the global market.

Strategy 2030: More than just volumes

The group's recent announcement is not just about the number of cars rolling off the factory's gates. The plan, dubbed "One Geely," aims for a profound transformation of revenue and technological impact:

1. Massive financial independence: Annual revenue is estimated to exceed 1 trillion yuan (about $143 billion).
2. Global expansion: Geely wants a third of its sales to come from outside China. This means an aggressive offensive in Europe, Southeast Asia and, gradually, North America.
3. Total electrification: The Group estimates that by 2030, new energy vehicles (electric and hybrid) will account for 75% of the total sales mix.
4. Technology ecosystem: Unlike traditional manufacturers, Geely invests in its own constellations of high-precision navigation satellites, AI software, and autonomous mobility platforms (Robotaxis).

The challenge for the "old guard"

With this step, Geely is no longer competing only with compatriots from BYD, but is directly attacking the market share of groups such as Stellantis or Hyundai-Kia. Their advantage? The ability to quickly integrate state-of-the-art software technology with the European design and safety inherited from Volvo.

If a decade ago Chinese cars were viewed with skepticism, today Geely is demonstrating that it can produce vehicles that not only match, but often exceed Western standards in terms of innovation and efficiency.

Geely in Romania: An accelerated offensive through technology and competitive prices

If globally Geely is already a titan, in Romania the brand has recently begun to make history, with the official launch taking place in September 2024. In record time, the Chinese manufacturer has managed to build a solid distribution network (through importer SEEAG) and become a serious alternative to established European brands.

Available models and prices: From urban to "Green"

Geely's strategy in Romania is based on SUVs equipped with cutting-edge technology, offering an unbeatable price-performance ratio. Here are the main models in local showrooms at the beginning of 2026:

Model	Segment	Powertrain	Starting Price (Est.)
Coolray	B-SUV (Urban)	1.5 Turbo (172 HP)	€23,990 (incl. promos)
Cityray	Compact SUV	1.5 Turbo (172 HP)	€24,990
Starray	Mid-size SUV	1.5 / 2.0 Turbo (up to 238 HP)	€30,490
Starray EM-i	Plug-in Hybrid SUV	PHEV (Next-gen Hybrid System)	€36,990
EX5	Electric SUV	EV (218 HP, 60 kWh Battery)	€35,990 (via Rabla Plus)

Sales and market share: A growth "in mirror" with the Chinese market

The Romanian market followed the European trend of rapid adoption of Chinese brands. In 2025, Chinese car sales in Romania tripled, and Geely was one of the pillars of this growth.

• Market share: Chinese brands reached a cumulative share of almost 6% of the total market in 2025, with Geely quickly positioning itself in the top of preferences alongside MG and BYD.
• Volume: The success of the Coolray model, followed by the new Starray, propelled Geely to the attention of fleet customers, but also families looking for safety (many models achieving 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests).

Strength: European heritage

A decisive factor for Geely's success in Romania is the trust derived from their partnerships. The fact that Geely owns Volvo and works closely with Renault (through the Horse engine division in Mioveni) has eliminated the psychological barrier of the "Chinese car". Romanian customers recognize the buttons, safety systems and technical platforms that are, in many cases, common to those of the Swedish models.

Conclusion: A new era of mobility, between ambition and pragmatism

The target of 6.5 million vehicles by 2030 is not just an impressive figure in a financial report; it is a declaration of independence from a group that has long ceased to be a simple disciple of Western technology. Geely has achieved a rare feat in the automotive industry: it has absorbed European expertise through strategic acquisitions such as Volvo, but has retained its agility and competitive costs specific to the Chinese market.

For the Romanian market, Geely's rise is good news for the consumer. At a time when new car prices have reached historic highs, the presence of this giant forces a democratization of technology. Models like the Starray or Coolray demonstrate that premium features and top-notch safety no longer have to be the exclusive preserve of luxury brands.

If the group maintains its current pace of innovation and manages to manage the logistical and political challenges on the European market, the year 2030 could find Geely not only in the Top 5 global manufacturers, but also as an opinion leader in defining the intelligent car of the future. The journey from refrigerator manufacturer to titan of global mobility is almost complete, and the stake of 1 trillion yuan seems, in this context, a very realistic goal.