Geely is currently in talks to acquire the Saab unit of General Motors. Geely would gain Saab's safety technology along with an existing dealer network in Europe and the United States. The prototype model shown above and below is a Geely GT Tiger, which debuted at the 2008 Shanghai Motor Show.
Geely Automobile is a Chinese Automaker and is the first independent automobile manufacturer in the People's Republic of China. Geely started in 1986 manufacturing refrigerators, motorcycle parts in 1992. In 1994, Geely began manufacturing motorcycles. By 1996, Geely had produced over 200,000 motorcycles and scooters. Automobile production started in 1998. Geely began exporting its first cars in 2003.
Rolls Royce Motor Cars is considering legal action against Geely Automobile. Geely has a prototype GE, which apparently is a knockoff of the Rolls Royce Phantom. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is very protective of its brand image and takes seriously any attempt to imitate it's products.
The grille, the Flying Lady mascot, also known as the Spirit of Ecstasy, and the Rolls Royce name and initials are specifically protected. The Rolls Royce Phantom starts at £250,000, the Geely GE anticipated sales price is £30,000.
The grille, the Flying Lady mascot, also known as the Spirit of Ecstasy, and the Rolls Royce name and initials are specifically protected. The Rolls Royce Phantom starts at £250,000, the Geely GE anticipated sales price is £30,000.
Geely had planned to start selling car in North America in 2008, but after several test vehicles failed U.S. crash and emissions tests, Geely's delayed the debut until late 2009. Currently, Geely sells in Peru, Uruguay, Romanian, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Venezuela.
My take is that Geely will be a name to watch! The Chinese will come onto the world automotive stage shortly. China has a vast manufacturing base and will be a substantial competitor. Initially, they will compete based on price similarly to the Japanese models in the 1970's.
Their initial cars imported will be inexpensive due to the low Chinese labor costs. They have apparently eight different models in development up to the high end Geely GE, so they will eventually compete at all price points. Currently, they have not passed the safety requirements to sell cars in the U.S., I anticipate that will change in the near future.
