JAKARTA - The presence of Geely Holding Group at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week is not just a showcase of technology. The Chinese automotive manufacturer has given the clearest signal so far about its plans to expand into the United States (US) market.
The signal was revealed in an interview with Autoline Network with Geely Holding Group Global Communications Head Ash Sutcliffe. In the discussion, Sutcliffe confirmed that Geely was seriously considering entering the US.
For information, Geely is a global automotive group with an extensive brand portfolio. In addition to local brands such as Zeekr and Lynk & Co, Geely also oversees Western brands such as Volvo, Polestar, Smart, and Lotus.
Interestingly, this interview took place at CES held in Las Vegas. Ironically, America itself is currently effectively restricting imports of Chinese-made cars.
However, this is precisely where Geely wants to show its seriousness. According to Sutcliffe, CES is now Geely's main stage to bring its electric car lineup so that American media and the public can directly assess their capabilities.
"We are considering all global markets for expansion. The big question is when and how we enter the US. I think there will be an announcement in the next 24 to 36 months," Sutcliffe said, quoted by Electrek, Tuesday, January 6.
He emphasized that the two to three year time frame refers to the announcement of the strategy, not that Geely vehicles will immediately hit the streets of the US. In this context, Zeekr and Lynk & Co are said to be the most potential candidates to be the spearhead.
Regarding tariffs and trade barriers, Sutcliffe assessed that Geely was accustomed to dealing with such dynamics as a global company. He even called Volvo's facility in South Carolina a natural option for local production, given that Volvo and Polestar have already produced vehicles in the US.
As for concerns about Chinese software regulation in vehicles, Sutcliffe dismissed them. According to him, Geely is accustomed to complying with data protection rules in various jurisdictions, ranging from GDPR in the European Union to CCPA in California.
"Whatever the rules are later, we will adjust," he said.
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