Geely Auto Experience Center & Carspotting In Hangzhou, China!

 
Arriving at the Geely Auto Experience Center in Hangzhou felt like stepping into a futuristic world, and it quickly became clear why Geely is one of China’s most ambitious automotive brands. Founded in 1986, Geely originally focused on refrigerator parts and motorcycles, only entering the auto industry in 1997. Today, it is China’s largest privately-owned automaker, boasting international ownership of Volvo, Lotus, and the London EV Company. With plans to position itself at the forefront of the global EV market, Geely has built not only cars but an empire of innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge design.

The Experience Center itself is a striking example of Geely’s design sensibility. From the moment we walked through the bulbous, egg-shaped atrium—a structure both ultramodern and somehow organic—it was clear Geely aimed to impress. The open spaces, sleek aesthetics, and high-tech displays in this sprawling complex give it a futuristic, Tomorrowland feel, reminiscent of Disney's showcase of new technologies. Entry is by reservation only, adding an exclusive feel to the visit.

Stepping inside, we found Geely’s latest flagship models on display. Each vehicle boasted design flourishes and intricate details typically seen only in luxury models. The interiors were immaculate, with leather seats, soft-touch materials, and expansive digital dashboards spanning over a meter across—details that show Geely’s ambition to create an experience on par with top brands.

One of the models that immediately stood out was the ZEEKR 001, an all-electric luxury sedan that’s part of Geely’s premium EV lineup. ZEEKR, Geely’s new EV sub-brand, has garnered global attention with the 001 due to its performance capabilities, including a range of nearly 700 kilometers on a single charge. Powered by dual electric motors, the ZEEKR 001 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds, a nod to Geely’s engineering prowess.

Then, we encountered the “Geometry A,” a compact sedan designed for everyday use but with an impressive range of up to 600 kilometers. This vehicle targets younger urban consumers and has become popular in China for its sleek design, safety features, and affordability. To date, Geely has sold more than 50,000 units of the Geometry series, with the majority being used by ride-hailing services. Geely’s collaboration with ride-hailing giants in developing EV fleets further underscores its commitment to transforming urban mobility.

The Experience Center also showcased the all-electric version of the iconic London Taxi, produced by Geely’s subsidiary, the London Electric Vehicle Company. This modern take on a British classic is designed specifically for public transportation and runs entirely on electricity, aligning with London’s push for greener urban transit. Inside, the spacious, high-ceilinged cab has luxurious finishes, ample storage, and Geely’s now-signature “suicide doors” that offer easy entry and exit for passengers.

The showroom was home to Geely’s compact SUV, the “Icon,” a futuristic-looking model that has been a hit due to its quirky styling and smart features. Although the Icon isn’t electric, its design resembles EVs, with clean lines and minimalistic detailing that make it look right at home among Geely's more eco-friendly lineup.

As we explored the facility, we noticed the emphasis Geely placed on its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. CMA is an adaptable platform that Geely co-developed with Volvo, designed to underpin a wide range of vehicle types—from SUVs to sedans and electric vehicles. The platform powers the popular Lynk & Co series, a brand that has gained significant traction in Europe and China for its blend of Scandinavian style (thanks to Volvo’s influence) and affordability.

A visit to the Experience Center wouldn’t be complete without witnessing Geely’s forward-looking sustainability goals. One notable exhibit featured seats made from recycled materials, emphasizing Geely’s drive toward environmentally conscious manufacturing. Geely has committed to making significant reductions in carbon emissions by 2045, and by 2025, 30% of its entire fleet will be electric vehicles, further positioning the company as a leader in green mobility.

In addition to automotive innovation, Geely has ventured into lifestyle services with their on-site coffee brand, BRB Coffee, serving high-quality brews right next to the main entrance. BRB was founded by Geely’s owner, Li Shufu, known for his diverse ventures beyond automotive. BRB Coffee adds a local touch, offering employees and visitors a taste of Geely’s culture and philosophy of integrating work, life, and sustainability.

Finally, our guide took us to the parking lot—another testament to Geely’s impact on Chinese automotive culture. Here, we saw a fascinating mix of legacy models like the Geely Panda, a compact model from the 2000s, and the latest models like the Lynk & Co 03. The contrast was stark: the Panda, with its rudimentary design and visible wear, sat next to sleek electric vehicles like the Geometry C, embodying Geely’s dramatic evolution over just two decades.

For a company that started making motorcycles and fridges, Geely has scaled remarkable heights, now owning major stakes in iconic brands like Volvo and Lotus, as well as in the aviation industry through Terrafugia, a company focused on developing flying cars. This commitment to a multi-faceted future—ranging from electric taxis and luxury cars to potentially flying vehicles—highlights Geely’s far-reaching ambitions.

In the coming years, Geely aims to launch several new models across its brands, including the next generation of Polestar EVs, and to increase global EV market penetration. This ambition has also led Geely to set up operations and research facilities in places like Sweden and the United Kingdom, underscoring the company’s shift from a Chinese powerhouse to a global force in automotive and transportation innovation.