One of the biggest Chinese automakers is setting up shop north of the U.S. border.
Chinese automaker Geely plans to begin selling vehicles to Canadian customers next year, the company said Friday. Geely, one of the largest carmakers in the world by sales, has begun establishing a retail and service network in the country and plans to introduce its first vehicles to Canadian consumers in 2027.
"Canada represents an important next step in Geely Auto's international growth," said Bryan Wu, Geely's managing director in Canada. "We are entering this market with a long-term commitment, bringing our global technology and engineering capabilities to Canadian drivers."
Globally, Geely offers a wide lineup of vehicles, from compact electric vehicles to large, luxury-oriented SUVs. The carmaker's portfolio also includes gas-powered vehicles and hybrids, which have taken off in America after EV sales tapered off in the past year. It sold more than three million vehicles in 2025.
The company didn't disclose which models it would sell in Canada or release pricing details. It said more information would be shared closer to the start of its commercial launch next year.
The announcement represents the clearest sign to date that Chinese car companies are preparing to battle Western and other Asian automakers in Canada. Earlier this year, Canada opened the door to Chinese automakers. Canada significantly lowered its tariff rate on up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles.
The U.S. has effectively kept out China's popular EVs through high tariff rates and a ban on some internet-connected software. Congress has been debating legislation aimed at prohibiting China's car companies from selling or even manufacturing vehicles in America.
President Trump has said he is opposed to Chinese car imports, but has welcomed the idea of China's carmakers building cars in the country.
Canada has said that its deal with China equates to less than 3% of the country's current new-car sales and that it expects the deal to catalyze new Chinese joint-venture investments there.
By the end of the decade, at least half of the EVs imported would be required to have a price of $35,000 Canadian dollars, equivalent to roughly $24,500 in the U.S. Canada has said it would work with Chinese auto manufacturers on timely vehicle certifications to ensure they meet the country's motor-vehicle safety standards.
Geely Auto's sprawling empire of car brands includes its namesake, as well as Zeekr and Lynk & Co. Geely's parent company controls several other brands that are familiar to Americans, including Sweden's Volvo, Polestar and Lotus.
Geely founder Li Shufu stepped down in August as the company's chairman, but remains a controlling shareholder.
The U.S. banned Polestar from selling vehicles in the country, under rules prohibiting Chinese software in new cars. Volvo had earlier received approval to continue operations.