Lotus Engineering plays pivotal role in preparing Geely’s first UK-market model for British roads ahead of Q4 2025 launch
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom – 2 July 2025 – Geely Auto Group has formally announced its entry into the UK passenger car market, marking a significant milestone in the Chinese automaker’s global expansion strategy. The move is spearheaded by the introduction of the all-electric Geely EX5, a C-segment SUV that will become the brand’s first UK-market model, with sales set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The launch was unveiled during the Octopus Electric Vehicles Drive Day, where industry stakeholders received a first look at the Geely EX5 in its UK specification. This debut also signals the official formation of Geely Auto UK, the company’s first dedicated distributor in Europe, with headquarters based in Milton Keynes.
“This is more than just a product launch,” said Mike Yang, General Manager of Geely Auto UK. “It’s the start of a long-term commitment to the British market, tailored by local expertise, backed by global strength.”
A New Phase in Geely’s Global Strategy
Geely’s UK expansion forms part of the brand’s “Five by Five” globalisation blueprint—a strategy centred around the development of five global design hubs, R&D centres, testing facilities, propulsion systems and AI ecosystems. The EX5’s introduction reflects Geely Auto’s ability to deliver vehicles that are not only internationally viable but also locally refined for distinct markets.
Following a record-setting 2024, where Geely Auto posted over 2.17 million vehicle sales globally—including over 414,000 export units—the company has significantly expanded its reach across 81 countries and regions. This growth trajectory will continue in 2025, with the UK identified as one of the key markets for future development.
Geely Auto UK will adopt the company’s “one country, one policy” approach, ensuring the UK’s dealer network, suppliers, and service channels are optimised for local conditions, supported by more than 300 new global outlets slated for rollout this year.
Introducing the Geely EX5
The Geely EX5 enters the UK as a global model engineered to comply with the regulations of 89 markets. The five-door electric SUV blends modern design with practicality and technological sophistication, aimed squarely at fleet and private buyers in the increasingly competitive compact EV segment.
Ahead of its UK market launch, Geely Auto has conducted extensive customer clinics and fleet trials, including participation in Company Car in Action 2025 at Millbrook Proving Ground. These engagements have provided valuable insight into UK consumer preferences—insights which are now being applied in collaboration with one of the UK’s foremost automotive R&D firms.
British Engineering Precision: Lotus Dynamics Input
To ensure the EX5 meets the expectations of discerning UK drivers, Geely Auto UK commissioned Lotus Engineering—a Geely partner and globally respected dynamics specialist—to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the model’s chassis and handling performance.
The EX5 was subjected to rigorous subjective and objective testing, including multi-surface analysis on Lotus’s world-class test track and evaluation via advanced multi-post rigs. The independent assessment by Lotus Engineering serves as the basis for market-specific chassis tuning.
“We know the EX5 is a strong product, but working with Lotus Engineering ensures we deliver a car that drives the way British customers expect,” added Yang.
“Our engineers conducted a full dynamics review of the Geely EX5 to understand its capabilities and recommend enhancements where needed,” said Lee Jeffcoat, Commercial Director at Lotus Engineering. “This partnership ensures the EX5 arrives in the UK not just as another electric SUV, but as one that’s ready to compete with the best in the segment.”
UK Launch Timeline
Geely Auto UK is currently finalising its sales and service network, with public communications expected to begin in late summer 2025. The EX5 will officially go on sale in Q4 2025, with further model announcements anticipated in 2026 as Geely deepens its investment in the region.
With the EX5, Geely Auto is not just bringing a car to the UK—it’s introducing a vision for accessible, high-quality electric mobility shaped by local insights and delivered through global excellence.
