The issue matters because Chinese automakers face major political and regulatory barriers in the U.S. market. Even so, Geely’s structure gives it a different starting point from rivals such as BYD or Nio.
CNBC analysts said Geely effectively “already sells cars in America” through its ownership stakes and partnerships. Geely Holding owns nearly 79% of Volvo Cars, controls 51% of Lotus, and has major influence over Polestar.
Volvo’sSouth Carolina Plant Gives Geely A Rare Asset
According to the CNBC report, Volvo’s factory in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of Geely’s strongest advantages. The plant has an annual capacity of roughly 150,000 vehicles but is currently operating below that level.
Volvo executives have indicated they would be open to producing additional vehicles there, including models linked to Geely’s wider portfolio. Volvo also wants to grow its U.S. manufacturing footprint as it targets 200,000 annual American sales.
The company is preparing to build more hybrid SUVs locally. That could help Geely-backed brands avoid steep import tariffs by producing vehicles in the United States rather than shipping them from China.
Zeekr Could Be The First Visible Geely Brand In The U.S.
Among Geely’s brands, analysts see Zeekr as the most likely to enter the American market officially. The brand is positioned as a premium, performance-focused EV name below Volvo.
Zeekr already has a quiet U.S. presence through its partnership with Waymo. Waymo has deployed Zeekr-based autonomous vans in San Francisco as part of its robotaxi operations.
Zeekr executives have also publicly expressed interest in the American market. Analysts point to its upscale positioning, EV technology, and Geely’s existing infrastructure as factors that could help American buyers accept the brand.
Political Barriers Remain The Main Obstacle
Geely’s scale is hard to overlook. Across all its brands, the company reportedly sold nearly 1 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2026.
The group has also expanded aggressively in Europe, giving it experience outside China. At the same time, earlier reporting found that many U.S. buyers would consider a Chinese car, with the share among younger buyers reportedly close to 70%.
Still, the obstacles are significant. Chinese EVs currently face a 100% U.S. tariff, and additional duties could raise costs further. The federal government has also targeted Chinese connected-car technology over cybersecurity concerns.
Some American political figures have shown openness to Chinese automakers building vehicles domestically. Donald Trump recently said he would welcome Chinese companies building factories in the U.S. if they hire American workers and invest locally. For Geely, that domestic-production route may be the most realistic path into the American market.
