Geely unifies European R&D to bring models globally in no more than six months

Geely Auto has launched Geely Technology Europe, a R&D hub that consolidates its engineering operations in Sweden and Germany to streamline global vehicle development and reduce the time gap between Chinese and international market launches.

The new European R&D powerhouse, announced on March 26, 2026, builds upon Geely’s long-established presence in Europe, which began in 2013 when the Chinese automaker partnered with Volvo to establish a Research and Development Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.

According to Geely, the institute will work in coordination with the Geely Research Institute in China to develop vehicle platforms designed for global markets from inception. The organization aims to cut the delay between domestic Chinese and overseas product launches to under six months.

“Europe is more than a key market, it is a global benchmark for automotive excellence,” said Giovanni Lanfranchi, CEO of Geely Technology Europe. “Establishing Geely Technology Europe creates a genuinely borderless R&D setup – a strategic edge that allows us to not only meet global standards, but help set them.”

The European hub represents the latest evolution in Geely’s strategic approach to global research and development, positioning Europe as a crucial center for vehicle architecture, software development, and regulatory compliance across multiple brands, including Zeekr, Lynk & Co, and Geely.

A few days ago, European testing authorities granted regulatory certification to Geely Auto Group’s advanced driver assistance system – the company revealed on March 13 that its “G-ASD” system secured UN R171 certification, an essential regulatory milestone for operating within the European Union, clearing the path for vehicles featuring this technology to enter European markets.

This announcement follows Geely’s December 2025 unveiling of the world’s largest automotive safety testing facility in Hangzhou Bay, China. That facility, which benefited significantly from Volvo’s renowned safety expertise, represents another milestone in Geely’s global technological advancement strategy.

With plans to double its European-led vehicle projects by 2027, Geely Technology Europe will focus on three core areas: co-development of global architectures, market-specific product optimization, and AI-powered digital experiences, including advanced driver assistance systems and smart cockpit technologies.