Top stories of Geely in 2019

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- For the year of 2019, Geely Automobile sold a total of 1,361,560 new vehicles, posting a decrease of roughly 9% over the prior-year period, while successfully achieving the group's 1.36 million-unit sales target for 2019. This is also the third year in a row for the group to see both production and sales volume surpass 1 million units.

Let's step back and take a look at what's happened this year at Geely.

Geely-backed ride-hailing platform Caocao Zhuanche upgraded to Caocao Mobility

Caocao Zhuanche, an EV sharing platform backed by Geely, announced on February 14 that its brand and services had been upgraded into “Caocao Mobility”.

Meanwhile, the new platform's user-end application had been updated to the 4.0 version with a new feature dubbed “Caocao Zoubei (Hangzhou)”. When users log in the application in Hangzhou, where the company is headquartered, they are allowed to use the brand-new function that recommends some food and entertainment choices for people in forms of photos or literal introduction. In addition, users can follow each other on the application and comment on such services.

Geely Auto Group adds Geely New Energy into marketing structure

In February, Geely Auto Group adjusted its marketing structure by adding the yet-to-be-launched Geely New Energy into its brand lineup.

Geely New Energy would be operated as an independent sub-brand with its own logo, parallel to the other four brands, namely, Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Proton Cars and Lotus Cars.

Yang Xueliang, vice president of Geely Auto Group, previously said consumers' understanding about new energy vehicle (NEV) was updating, and the NEV consumption scenarios and marketing modes had been essentially changed, thus the brand construction, marketing modes as well as consumers experience must be upgraded at the same time. Featuring all-new brand position, technologies and sales channel, Geely New Energy reportedly would sell vehicles based on some NEV sales channels akin to shop-in-shop derived from Geely's existing channels and other independent NEV-specific marketing channels.

Geely's first MPV model Jiaji hits the market

Geely's first MPV model—the Jiaji officially hit the market on March 11, marking the automaker's first step to build presence in MPV segment. Presale prices for three variants range between RMB99,800 and RMB182,800.

The Jiaji would be offered as a six- or seven-seater, in three seating layouts (2+2+2, 2+2+3 or 2+3+2) to meet different consumers' needs.

The MPV is fitted with such intelligent driver assistance systems as ICA (integrated cruise assist), TJA (traffic jam assist), ACC (adaptive cruise control), LKA (lane-keeping assist), RCW (rear collision warning), RCTA (rear cross-traffic alert) and Bosch's 9.3 ESP (electronic stability program). Especially, the RCTA system is able to detect cars and pedestrians within 35 meters on both left and right sides when a driver is reversing the vehicle.

Daimler and Geely Holding form global joint venture to develop Smart

Daimler AG (Daimler) and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) announced on March 28 the formation of a 50-50 globally focused joint venture to own, operate and further develop Smart, the pioneer of small urban vehicles, as a leader in premium-electrified vehicles.

Under the joint venture agreement, a new generation of Smart-branded electric models would be assembled at a new purpose-built electric car factory in China with global sales due to begin in 2022.

The joint venture partners had agreed that the new generation of Smart vehicles would be styled by the worldwide Mercedes-Benz Design network with engineering from Geely global engineering centers. Future production would be located in China.

Geely Geometry A hits the market with prices starting at RMB150,000 after subsidy

On April 11, Geely New Energy launched the all-new premium BEV brand “Geometry” in Singapore. Meanwhile, Geometry A, the first model under the new brand, officially hits the market with two versions based on driving range covering six variants.

Pre-subsidy prices of the new car range between RMB210,000 and RMB250,000. After subsidy, the Geometry A would be priced from RMB150,000 to RMB190,000.

Named after a mathematical term, the Geometry A is Geely's first model to be sold globally. The new vehicle is able to run at a top speed of 150km/h powered by a 163PS (120kW), 250 N·m electric motor and a lithium-ion power battery pack offered by CATL. It provides users with two range options—410km and 500km, whose respective battery capacity is 51.9kWh and 61.9kWh. Five charging modes are offered to users for utilization based on different environments.

Geely Auto unveils PREFACE Concept at Auto Shanghai 2019

Geely Auto's PREFACE Concept sedan made its global debut at the biennial Auto Shanghai on April 16.

As Geely brand's first high-end sports orientated sedan based on the CMA platform, it further develops Geely's “Expanding Cosmos” design language, combining the safety of the CMA, high standard of quality control, more human-friendly intelligent technologies and stronger driving experience, according to the automaker's introduction. The unveiling of this concept signifies Geely's intention to set a new benchmark for China-owned car brands in the global market.

At the Shanghai Auto Show, Geely Auto also showed off 10-plus electrified models which are set to be rolled out this year, including the Binyue MHEV and PHEV, the Binrui MHEV, the Emgrand GL PHEV and the Jiaji PHEV.

Geely's NEV battery research institute in Jiaxing to start operation in 2019

Geely Technology Group (Geely Tech), inherited from Geely Holding Group, signed on April 29 an agreement with local government of Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province to build a NEV battery research institute at Xiuzhou Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, according to the official website of the hi-tech zone.

Involving a total planned investment of RMB3 billion, the new research institute would work as the headquarters that researches and develops NEV batteries with R&D hubs of battery cells and electricity generation system as well as centers for analysis & testing and forward-looking technology development.

The new institute was expected to start operation within 2019, not only meeting Geely’s demands on future continuous growth of NEV batteries, but also helping improve the quality and efficiency of local NEV industry development.

Geely Auto sets vision for future of autonomous drive at Dragon Bay Forum

In May, Geely Auto Group laid down its vision for the future of autonomous drive at the Dragon Bay Forum event.

As the chief partner to the 2022 Asian Games, Geely Auto has committed to developing autonomous drive solutions that can be used during the games under the slogan “Enjoy Mobility @ the Asian Games with Geely”. By 2022, Geely Auto will have developed a fully autonomous system that utilizes 5G communications, edge computing and V2X infrastructure technologies to create a driverless environment capable of taking athletes and guests around the event sites.

As a follow on commercially available products, Geely would develop an automated valet parking system which allows cars to self-park and be able to be summoned to a location on demand using V2X and 5G systems.

On the sidelines of the Dragon Bay Forum, Geely Auto Group also signed an agreement with the Ningbo Government to establish an autonomous drive test zone in the Hangzhou Bay and transform the district into a smart city.

Geely Auto new flagship CMA-based coupe SUV “Xing Yue” launched

On 10 May 2019, Geely Auto’s highly anticipated sports Coupe SUV, Xing Yue, officially launched at Geely Auto’s first production facility dedicated to producing CMA-based vehicles.

The new flagship SUV model is offered in three power options—traditional internal combustion, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid—along with two- or four-wheel drive options. As part of the Blue Geely Initiative where Geely commits to electrifying its range of vehicles, the Geely Xing Yue would be the world’s first Coupe SUV with a PHEV option that offers a pure electric range of up to 80km.

Geely Auto Opens Research & Development Centre in Germany

Geely Auto Group said on May 16 it had formally opened a new research and development facility at Raunheim, Germany, to accelerate innovation in new propulsion systems and next-generation mobility technology.

The Geely Auto Technical Deutschland (GATD) facility, close to Frankfurt airport, was expected to employ around 300 engineers and technology specialists within the next few years, as the group accelerates its presence in electrification and new energy vehicles.

The new centre would have a particular focus on developing premium electric cars, augmenting R&D already underway at facilities across the Geely network, which includes the world-leading Geely Research Institute in Hangzhou Bay as well as the China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT) in Gothenburg, and centres in Linjiang, China, and Coventry, UK.

Geely unveils first hydrogen fuel cell bus F12

Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (GVC) on May 29 launched two new zero-emission bus models in Beijing—the F12 hydrogen fuel cell bus and the C11 all-electric intercity bus.

The F12 is Geely's first commercial vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel cell technology under Yuan Cheng Auto, a CV brand under the umbrella of GVC. 

By virtue of world's leading hydrogen fuel cell stack technology, the F12 features an energy consumption of 7.5-kilogram hydrogen per 100km. The number had been approved by practical operation tests.

Thanks to lightweight design, the C11 pure electric intercity bus boasts lighter curb weight while the overall body structure has been further strengthened. It would be dedicated to offering citizens environmentally friendly mobility solutions, satisfying various operational demands like urban commuting, travel, and customized public transportation, etc.

Geely Auto's subsidiary to form JV with LG Chem for EV battery supply

Geely Auto announced on June 12 that Shanghai Maple Guorun, its indirect 99% owned subsidiary, entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement on the same day with LG Chem, the largest chemical company in Korea.

According to the agreement, both parties agreed to set up a joint venture to primarily manufacture and sell batteries for EVs.

The registered capital of the JV would be US$188,000,000 and would be contributed as to 50% (equivalent to US$94,000,000) in cash by Geely Automobile's subsidiary and as to 50% (equivalent to US$94,000,000) in cash by LG Chem.

The JV's board of directors would contain five directors, among which two directors should be nominated by Shanghai Maple Guorun and three directors should be nominated by LG Chem.

Geely to connect smart watch with all-new SUV Boyue PRO

Geely Automobile launched in June the X WATCH Limited Edition, the world's first smart watch that would be mass produced by automakers. On June 25, Geely released a set of photos about an all-new SUV dubbed “Boyue PRO” and said the newly-launched smart watch would be connected to the yet-to-be-launched SUV in the first place.

Geely said an all-new human-machine interaction model would be tried through forming the connectivity between the smart watch and the Boyue PRO SUV. Boasting multiple features such as vehicle manipulation, exercise & fitness, entertainment news and mobile communications, the X WATCH will allow users to control their own vehicles on the wrist.

Baidu, Geely team up on AI-powered automobile domains

Baidu and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) forged a partnership on July 3 at the Baidu Create 2019. Both parties would conduct the strategic cooperation in such areas as intelligent connectivity, intelligent driving, smart home and e-commerce, exploring the most powerful technical form integrating automobiles and AI technologies.

At the conference, Robin Li, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Baidu, and Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding, interacted with Geely's new intelligent SUV—the Boyue PRO. The new model is outfitted with Baidu's AI system and Geely's GKUI19 Smart Ecosystem, which endows the vehicle with a “super brain” and the abilities to connect people and homes as a highly interacted mobile terminal, said Geely Holding.

Geely Auto would start using the Baidu AI-powered GKUI19 system throughout its entire product lineup in the future.

Geely launches GKUI 19 in-car intelligent system powered by first Geely-made SoC

ECARX, a subsidiary invested by Geely, officially announced on July 3 its new E-series chipset at the launch of the GKUI19 and the global premiere of the Geely Boyue PRO, according to Geely.

The GKUI 19, the latest version of the Geely Smart Ecosystem, would be armed by the first independently developed chip from ECARX, otherwise known as E01 SoC, which utilizes a high-speed 64-bit quad core central processing unit combined with dedicated graphic processing unit supporting HD 1080p dual screen display and a 4G modem that provides seamless capable connectivity and content delivery within equipped vehicles, said Geely.

Besides, ECARX has planned the E02 SoC, a next-generation 8-core SoC with an independent neural processing unit, which is set to be released in the first quarter of 2020.

Geely's Geometry launches GEO.LAND service brand for intimacy with users

Geely Auto Group's first pure electric brand Geometry launched on August 22 the “GEO.LAND” marque that is designed to build intimacy with users with abundant BEV application scenarios.

Unlike traditional auto brands that incline to isolated themselves from users, the GEO.LAND was launched as an alliance to be jointly developed by carmakers and users. Meanwhile, Zheng Zhuang, general manager of Geely New Energy Sales Company, announced the launching of an innovation fund to inspire users to offer suggestions for product improvement and participate in its public-service and community activities.

The EV brand aims to complete 300 4S dealers and 300 brand experience centers by 2020.

Zhejiang Geely pumps money into German flying taxi startup Volocopter

German flying taxi startup Volocopter announced in September it had raised 50 million euros ($55.13 million) in the first closing of its Series C funding round, which was led by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) and involved other investors like German auto giant Daimler.

The new funding would increase the total capital of Volocopter to 85 million euros. It would be used towards bringing the VoloCity aircraft to commercial launch over the next three years, said Geely Holding. The German startup was also in discussions with other investors for a second closing around the end of the year.

Besides, Geely Holding had also agreed to build a joint venture with Volocopter to introduce Urban Air Mobility solution to Chinese market. The German startup's products would be manufactured and popularized in China by Geely Holidng via the joint venture.

Geely and Volvo intend to merge combustion engine operations

Geely Holding and its wholly owned subsidiary Volvo Car Group (Volvo) intended to merge their existing combustion engine operations in order to establish a world leading business unit that would seek to develop next generation combustion engine and hybrid systems, Geely announced in October 7.

The proposed business unit was still under development when the announcement was made. Both parties need to reach an agreement, subject to due diligence and approval. This proposed business unit would clear the way for Volvo Cars to focus on the development of its all-electric range of premium cars. By the middle of next decade it expects half of its global sales to be fully electric and the other half hybrid, supplied by the new unit.

Geely, Weichai Power agree to co-develop methanol engines for CVs

On October 15, Geely Holding forged a strategic partnership with Weichai Power Co.,Ltd, a China's leading combustion engine manufacturer, as both parties hope to jointly industrialize methanol-fueled commercial vehicles in China.

According to the deal, Geely and Weichai would co-develop methanol engines available for heavy-duty trucks.

As an upholder of methanol-fueled vehicles, Geely Holding's chairman Li Shufu, offered proposals about popularizing methanol fuel and methanol-powered vehicles at Two Sessions of 2019, China's biggest political meeting of a year.

Daimler Mobility AG, Geely Technology Group inaugurate ‘StarRides’ Premium Ride-Hailing Service in Hangzhou

On December 3, Daimler Mobility AG and Geely Technology Group, a subsidiary of Geely Holding, unveiled the premium ride-hailing provider StarRides in China with inaugural services to begin in Hangzhou in December 2019. The ride-hailing joint venture would begin operating in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province.

The 50-50 joint venture between Daimler Mobility AG and Geely Technology Group is based in Hangzhou, where services would be launched with a fleet of 100 vehicles including Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class and V-Class vehicles. StarRides will expand to other major cities in China starting in 2020.