- Group sales reached a record 1.93 million vehicles, with EVs and hybrids making up more than half of deliveries
- Exports surged 158%, highlighting the growing global momentum of Chinese automakers
Geely Holding Group sold a record 1,934,842 vehicles in the first half of 2026, as new energy vehicles (NEVs) accounted for 56.9% of total deliveries and overseas sales more than doubled.
The Chinese automaker said on July 15 that it delivered 1,100,893 NEVs during the six-month period, up 10% year on year, meaning nearly six out of every 10 vehicles it sold were electric or hybrid models.
Listed unit Geely Auto also posted a record first-half performance, with sales reaching 1,422,958 vehicles. Combined deliveries of Geely, Lynk & Co and Zeekr-branded NEVs totaled 799,454 units, up 10% from a year earlier, with an NEV penetration rate of 56%.
Brand performance breakdown
Performance varied across brands. The Geely China Star lineup sold 581,000 vehicles, retaining its position as China’s best-selling domestic gasoline vehicle series, while the Geely Galaxy lineup contributed 520,000 units.
Lynk & Co delivered 144,000 vehicles, with NEVs accounting for 65% of sales. Premium EV brand Zeekr delivered 178,000 vehicles, up 97% year on year, marking the fastest growth among China’s premium NEV brands.
Volvo Cars sold 325,000 vehicles globally, with electrified models accounting for half of deliveries.
Overseas markets were the group’s biggest growth driver. Exports jumped 158% year on year to 474,228 vehicles, already surpassing the company’s total exports for all of 2025. Monthly exports exceeded 100,000 vehicles for the first time in June.
NEV exports reached 277,189 vehicles, soaring 585% from a year earlier and accounting for 58% of total exports, bringing electrified vehicle shipments close to matching gasoline-powered exports.
China’s auto leaders pull further ahead
China’s passenger vehicle market remained under pressure in the first half of 2026, with retail sales totaling about 8.75 million vehicles, down roughly 20% year on year. Even so, NEV penetration climbed to 63.6% in June.
Domestic brands continued to gain market share, accounting for 71% of passenger vehicle sales in the first half and 73.8% in May alone.
Against that backdrop, the competitive landscape shifted significantly. According to the China Passenger Car Association, Geely Auto sold 1.021 million vehicles at retail during the first half, overtaking BYD’s 991,000 units to reclaim the top spot in China’s domestic retail market after several years.
Leapmotor also entered the top 10, replacing Great Wall Motor.
Why it matters for global readers
Geely’s record first-half performance illustrates how Chinese automakers are shifting from exporting vehicles to building a more localized global presence.
With exports already exceeding last year’s full-year total and overseas NEV shipments up 585%, the company is increasingly translating its domestic electrification scale into international competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Zeekr’s 97% sales growth suggests Chinese brands are becoming more competitive in the premium segment, competing not only on price but also on technology platforms and brand positioning.
