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Chinese car giant to launch as standalone brand in UK with its own network of dealerships rivalling Hyundai, Kia & Skoda

Chinese car giant to launch as standalone brand in UK with its own network of dealerships rivalling Hyundai, Kia & Skoda

The Sun03-07-2025
A MAJOR Chinese car brand has announced it will be launching in the UK.
The motors firm will put one of its most popular models on the British market towards the end of the year.
Geely, which owns LEVC, Lotus, Polestar, and Volvo, will soon be launching in the UK.
British showrooms will see the Geely EX5 in the final quarter of the year.
And the brand will open its own standalone dealership network in the UK.
The model is an electric crossover designed to rival the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3, and Renault Megane.
Geely said the EX5 has been assessed by Lotus Engineering to evaluate whether it requires retuning for European roads.
Model details
UK specifications have yet to be announced while globally, the crossover is offered with a choice of 49.5kWh or 60.2kWh battery packs.
The 60.2kWh pack yields a range of up to 264 miles on the WLTP test cycle.
And they can be charged at a rate of up to 100kW on a DC connection, giving the bigger battery a 30-80% refill in 20 minutes.
It also has a single front-mounted motor that puts out 215bhp, giving a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.9sec.
Inside, the car seats five and features a 15.4in infotainment touchscreen.
World's thinnest car measuring just 19in wide that's skinnier than a motorbike is unveiled… & it works if you can fit in
UK market
While prices have yet to be announced, the EX5 starts from $40,990 (£19,500) in Australia.
This hints at a potential price of between £25,000 and £30,000 here in the UK.
Geely said that fleet buyers are expected to be a 'key segment' for the model.
They reported that these customers account for the majority of EV sales at present.
The company added that it was confident that it will appeal to UK buyers.
Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren't restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here's what you need to know before attending an auction:
Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
Be realistic: Realise that there won't be a "perfect" car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
'No major mechanical faults' – suggests that there shouldn't be any issues with the car's drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
'Specified faults' – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
'Sold as seen' – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
'Sold with a warranted mileage' - The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
Deliveries are earmarked to begin between October and the end of the year.
Additional Geely models are set to follow in 2026.
The move comes as the brand attempts to tap new markets for rapid growth.
They have set out to add more than 300 non-Chinese dealers and service centres to their global portfolio by the end of the year.
Geely sold nearly 2.2 million cars last year, which is up 34% compared from 2024.
More car brands
An iconic hatchback is set to return three decades after it was discontinued.
Meanwhile, another car brand faces factory closures over electric vehicle targets.
And a road test of the Kia EV6 GT that is now £2,690 cheaper.
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