Chinese carmaker Geely is set to build some of its fancier branded models at Volvo factories in Europe.

The company’s new chairman An Conghui (see below) confirmed the news in one of his first statements in charge of the company, saying that the company was looking to build ‘luxury’ models using capacity at Volvo’s factories. 

That would make it most likely that Zeekr or Lynk & Co models will made in Europe, chiefly in order to avoid punitive tariffs that are being levied on Chinese cars by the EU. 

Volvo’s current plants in the EU are in Sweden and Belgium, but it has a factory under construction in Slovakia. There are no details on what models might be built in Europe – Zeekr is about to launch in the UK with its new 7GT model, but these plans would likely indicate a model or models not due to arrive for a couple of years yet.

Geely also announced plans in July to create a joint venture in Europe with Ford, building electric SUVs with the American manufacturer at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain. 

Those plans are for mass market family electric SUVs with the Geely badge on them, rather than the more exclusive models that Zeekr is planning to bring to the UK. 

The Lynk & Co brand launched in Europe back in 2020 with a promised subscription-based ownership model, electric range and a novel approach to stuffy old dealerships that has since become more traditional in almost every respect. 

There are currently no plans to bring those cars to the UK. 

Geely founder steps down from car business

Geely founder Li Shufu has stepped down from his role as chairman of the car company he started back in 1997. 

He’s been replaced by An Conghui, an existing director at the company, with another director Gan Jiayue taking over as CEO. 

The musical chairs is happening at Geely Automotive Holdings, which controls the Geely, Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands. 

Li is still chairman of the overall holding company that also owns the likes of Volvo and Lotus, and remains the largest shareholder in the group.

But the changes show that the formidable businessman is thinking about succession plans and retirement, even at the young (in automotive industry executive terms) age of 63. 

He's still got plenty of opinions on the industry too, recently criticising the 'quick fix' approach to car making that has become prevalent among Chinese manufacturers.