Geely considers Zeekr and Lynk & Co production on US soil amid tariffs and tech scrutiny
Geely Holding Group discussed its long-term interest in entering the US passenger car market during a video interview published by Autoline around CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The discussion addressed strategic considerations, regulatory challenges, and potential approaches to future expansion.
In the video titled “Geely to Enter US Market – CES 2026”, Ash Sutcliffe, Director of Global Communications at Geely Holding Group, responded to questions about whether the Chinese automotive group plans to sell vehicles in the US. During the interview, Sutcliffe was shown sitting in a Lynk & Co vehicle, reflecting the brand’s role within Geely’s international portfolio. He said the US remains one of the world’s most important automotive markets and confirmed that Geely views a potential entry as a long-term objective rather than an imminent move.
Sutcliffe emphasized that Geely positions itself as a global automotive group rather than a purely Chinese brand. He pointed to Geely’s international portfolio, including Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, which already operate in the US, as well as Zeekr and Lynk & Co, which are among the brands being evaluated for future expansion.
The interview also addressed key obstacles facing any potential US entry. Import tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles were cited as a significant challenge affecting pricing and competitiveness. In addition, the discussion highlighted ongoing US scrutiny of vehicle connectivity and data-related technologies, which could pose compliance challenges for Chinese automakers whose vehicles rely heavily on connected and software-defined systems.
Sutcliffe acknowledged that regulatory and political factors play a central role in shaping market access and said Geely is evaluating multiple pathways, including partnerships, localization strategies, and leveraging existing international brands. He did not indicate that regulatory filings, product homologation, or dealership planning for the US market are currently underway.
Geely’s remarks came amid a broader shift at CES 2026, where automotive announcements have increasingly focused on artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and in-vehicle software platforms rather than new-vehicle launches. Several Chinese automotive suppliers and technology companies used the event to highlight their role in global supply chains, particularly in AI-powered cockpits, perception systems, and autonomous driving hardware.
At the same time, competition in China’s domestic auto market has intensified, prompting many Chinese automakers to accelerate overseas expansion. While Chinese brands have expanded rapidly across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, the US remains a more complex market due to trade policy, regulatory oversight, and technology-related restrictions.
As of CES 2026, Geely Holding Group has not announced a confirmed US market entry plan, disclosed specific models for US sales, or outlined a timeline for regulatory approval. The comments made in the Autoline Network interview reflect strategic intent and ongoing evaluation rather than a finalized expansion decision.
Updated: 06/01/2026 18:35 China time
