China's Geely Plots Zeekr and Lynk & Co Entry Into US EV Market
Geely lays out a 24–36 month timeline to unveil its American expansion strategy, hinting at local assembly and stricter data rules.
Summary
- Geely Holding Group signaled a potential US market entry during CES 2026, with Global Communications Head Ash Sutcliffe teasing an official strategy announcement within the next 24 to 36 months
- The company identifies its premium Zeekr and Lynk & Co nameplates as the primary candidates for the U.S., potentially utilizing Volvo’s South Carolina manufacturing plant to bypass high import tariffs on Chinese-made EVs
- Addressing regulatory concerns, Geely emphasized its experience with global data standards like GDPR and CCPA, asserting that its vehicles will comply with all future US software and data sovereignty rules
Geely Holding Group used CES 2026 in Las Vegas to send its clearest signal yet that Chinese-made EVs under its umbrella are eyeing the US. The move comes even as Washington’s tariff wall keeps direct imports effectively off-limits.
In an on-camera interview with Autoline, Geely’s global communications boss Ash Sutcliffe said the company is “looking at all global markets where we can expand… the big question for us is when and where will we go to the USA?” and teased an official announcement within 24–36 months. Crucially, Sutcliffe framed it as a strategy reveal, not an immediate showroom launch. The brands most likely to front the push are Geely’s premium EV nameplates Zeekr and Lynk & Co, already proven in China and Europe.
Rather than fight tariffs head-on, Geely is openly eyeing a back-door route via US production. With Volvo and Polestar already building in South Carolina, the Ridgeville plant looks like a natural beachhead to assemble Zeekr and Lynk & Co for American buyers.
Sutcliffe brushed off software and data-sovereignty fears, stressing that Geely already operates under GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California and will simply play by whatever US rules emerge.
