Geely, the Chinese automobile maker, has recently revealed that it plans to enter the UK automotive market with new car launches by 2012. According to the company, its first model to enter the Britain's car market will be the Emgrand EC7, a C/D segment car which will arrive in late 2012.
The Emgrand EC7 will be available as a four-door saloon and five-door hatchback model to UK-based customers. The vehicle will be powered by a 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engine and is expected to be sold at a price of around £10,000.
Geely International Corporation recently acquired Volvo and also develops London black cabs with The London Taxi Company. Manganese Bronze Holdings PLC (MBH), also the owner of The London Taxi Company, is expected to become Geely's UK distributor.
MBH is planning to set up a dealership network, establish aftersales and parts service centres under the name of Geely Auto UK. According to John Russell, MBH Chief Executive Officer, “Chinese brands can replicate the success of their Korean counterparts. We are all aware of the success that Kia and Hyundai have had in the UK and we can work with Geely to achieve similar success in the future.”
Geely Auto UK Market Development Director, Matthew Cheyne, who is accountable for brand sales, marketing, dealer development and distribution, is confident about Geely's future in the UK.
Moreover, certain about Geely's passenger cars, Cheyne commented, “Geely has a comprehensive range of models well suited to European requirements. We will be aiming to widen our range just as quickly as possible, probably at least a new model range every year for the next four to five years.”
Cheyne has also confirmed that the recruitment process for the UK dealer network has already commenced. “We are looking at small independent owned businesses that know their customers and traditionally give excellent customer service” Cheyne concluded.
Geely has not left any stone unturned in order to establish a strong foothold over the UK automobile market.
