- Chinese automaker targets German-speaking market with EV and hybrid models
- Move signals shift from selective entry to broader regional rollout
Geely Auto Group is entering Austria through a distribution partnership with local dealership AutoWallis, stepping up its European expansion with a deeper push into German-speaking markets.
The agreement marks Geely’s second major European entry within a month, following its move into France, and reflects a shift from isolated market entries to a more coordinated regional strategy.
The company will introduce two models—the Geely E5 electric SUV and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid—both of which received five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP in 2025.
The Starray, marketed domestically as the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, is positioned as a global model focused on efficiency, range and smart features.
Market analysts say Geely is aiming to challenge lingering perceptions around Chinese automotive technology by leading with safety credentials, with sales of the two models set to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
Rather than relying on traditional export channels, the company is adopting a joint distribution approach.
Headquartered in Budapest, AutoWallis has a dealer network spanning 17 countries, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. It will act as exclusive importer while building a nationwide sales and after-sales network in Austria, creating a localized system covering both distribution and servicing.
The expansion is supported by Geely’s European operations, which span research centers in Gothenburg and Frankfurt.
The company is also coordinating across its Geely, Lynk & Co and Zeekr brands to share platforms and optimize costs as it scales its presence in the region.
