Geely, China's second-largest automaker, is positioning itself as the first major Chinese brand to crack the US market - and it's got the infrastructure to make it happen fast. After test drives of three vehicles during CES, including the $32,000 Zeekr 7X electric crossover that directly challenges Tesla's Model Y, the competitive threat becomes crystal clear. With a factory already running in South Carolina and President Trump's recent invitation to Chinese automakers, Geely could launch US sales by 2029 - if it can navigate national security concerns around Chinese automotive software.
The moment I stepped out of the Zeekr 7X at a private test track during CES, one question dominated my thoughts: Can this actually be sold in America? Not whether buyers would want it - that much was obvious from the refined ride, energetic performance, and $32,000 price tag that undercuts the Tesla Model Y by roughly $7,000 in China. The real question is whether US regulators will allow Chinese automotive software on American roads, regardless of where the vehicle is assembled.
Geely Holding isn't a household name in the US, but it should be. The Chinese conglomerate moved 4.1 million vehicles last year, trailing only BYD domestically while operating a portfolio that spans from mass-market Geely-branded crossovers to premium Volvo sedans, performance-oriented Polestar EVs, and the luxury Lotus brand. Unlike other Chinese automakers eyeing North America, Geely already has boots on the ground - a fully operational plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, that's been churning out Volvos and Polestars since 2018.
That infrastructure advantage puts Geely in pole position if President Trump's recent comments become policy. Speaking to the Detroit Economic Club, Trump said he'd welcome Chinese automakers selling in the US with one condition: Build them here. it's "actively evaluating" US market entry and expects a decision within three years, setting up a potential 2029 launch.
