Geely to open Irish office soon

Geely Auto will employ about 20 people in its new Irish operation, a figure the company expects to support as it prepares to launch three distinct vehicle models. The automaker, which is part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, confirms its entry into the Irish market for the first time, joining a growing list of Chinese brands already selling cars there. Although the parent company owns Volvo and Polestar, the Geely name has previously remained low profile in Ireland, despite the brand's presence in 27 other European markets.

The initial lineup consists of the electric E2 city car, the electric E5 SUV, and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV. Geely has not yet confirmed whether it will bring its Zeekr or Lynk brands to Ireland, though it recently unveiled the Monjaro EM-i hybrid SUV at the Paris auto show. The company will manage the Irish market directly rather than through a local distributor, a structure that places operational control in the hands of the headquarters. Phil Eaglesfield will lead the effort as chief commercial officer, bringing experience from London Electric Vehicle Company and Fisker to the role.

Paddy Comyn, the head of public relations for Geely Auto Ireland, stated that planning for the dealer network is currently well under way. The company aims to begin delivering cars to customers in the first quarter of next year. This expansion follows the UK market launch that occurred in October of the previous year, providing a recent template for the Irish rollout. Other Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Xpeng, MG, Maxus, and Leapmotor are already established in the region, creating a competitive environment for Geely as it introduces its first models.

Geely Auto will present its new models to the public at the Nevo Electric Vehicle Show. The event takes place this weekend at Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt. This debut marks the first public display of the specific vehicles planned for the Irish market, allowing potential buyers to see the E2, E5, and Starray EM-i before deliveries begin.