What Companies Are Owned by Geely? Full List & Analysis

Pub. 8/8/2026 25

📌 Quick Jump to Brands

If you've ever wondered what companies are owned by Geely, you're not alone. Geely Holding Group is one of the largest private automotive conglomerates in the world, and its portfolio goes way beyond its namesake Chinese brand. I've spent years tracking auto industry M&A, and let me tell you – Geely's strategy is both bold and calculated. They don't just buy brands; they buy capabilities, markets, and cachet. Here's the full rundown with the details that matter for investors, car enthusiasts, and anyone curious about global auto ownership.

1. Volvo Cars – The Crown Jewel

Geely acquired Volvo Cars from Ford in 2010 for $1.8 billion. Many thought it was a risky bet, but it turned into a masterstroke. Under Geely, Volvo went from struggling to one of the most profitable premium automakers. I visited the Volvo plant in Gothenburg years ago, and the transformation is real – they kept their Swedish design DNA while gaining access to Chinese manufacturing and EV tech. Volvo now operates independently with its own board, but Geely holds 100% of the voting rights. Revenues for Volvo in 2023 hit about $36 billion. Important: Volvo Cars is publicly listed (OTC: VOLAF) but Geely remains the majority owner.

2. Polestar – Performance EV Brand

Polestar started as Volvo's performance division, then spun off into a standalone EV brand. Geely owns 49.5% of Polestar through a joint venture with Volvo (who owns 48.3%). The rest is public (NASDAQ: PSNY). I've test-driven the Polestar 2 and 3, and they're legit competitors to Tesla – especially the build quality. But the stock has been volatile, so if you're looking at it as an investment, proceed with caution. Geely's deep pockets keep Polestar funded, but the brand is still burning cash.

3. Lotus – Lightweight Sports Cars

Geely bought a 51% stake in Lotus in 2017 (the other 49% is owned by Malaysian conglomerate Etika). Under Geely, Lotus has revived its sports car heritage and launched the Evija hypercar and the Emira. They're also building an all-electric SUV, the Eletre, at a new factory in Wuhan. I was skeptical at first – Lotus was always about lightweight, purist driving. But the Eletre surprised me: it's still sharp and handles like a Lotus should. Geely is investing heavily to take Lotus global, with production in both China and the UK.

4. LEVC – London Taxi & Vans

Geely bought the London Taxi Company (now LEVC – London Electric Vehicle Company) in 2013. They've transformed the iconic black cab into an electric vehicle, the TX eCity. If you've been to London, you've probably ridden in one – silent, spacious, and zero emissions. LEVC also makes electric vans and is expanding into other European markets. The factory in Coventry, UK, employs over 1,000 people. One thing I noticed: the interior quality is way better than the old diesel cabs. Geely clearly pushed for a premium feel.

5. Proton – Malaysia's National Champion

Geely acquired a 49.9% stake in Proton in 2017 (the rest is held by DRB-HICOM). Proton is Malaysia's oldest carmaker, and it was struggling until Geely stepped in. They brought in the platform from the Geely Boyue (called the Proton X70 in Malaysia), and sales turned around almost overnight. The Proton X50 and X90 followed, both based on Geely's BMA platform. I spoke with a dealer in Kuala Lumpur who said the quality gap with Japanese brands has narrowed dramatically. Geely also uses Proton's manufacturing capacity to export to right-hand-drive markets like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

6. Smart – Electric City Cars

Geely formed a 50-50 joint venture with Mercedes-Benz AG in 2019 to run Smart. Now, Smart is fully electric, and the new #1 and #3 models are sold globally. The design is still quirky but more mature. I drove the Smart #1 in Barcelona, and it's surprisingly roomy – not like the old two-seaters at all. Geely handles the engineering and manufacturing, while Mercedes provides brand cachet and design input. Production is in Xi'an, China, with plans to export to Europe.

7. Other Holdings & Minority Stakes

Terrafugia – Flying Cars

Geely acquired Terrafugia in 2017. This US startup makes flying cars (or rather, roadable aircraft). The Transition model can fold its wings and drive on highways. But it's still in certification hell with the FAA. I'm not holding my breath – flying cars have been "five years away" for decades. Still, Geely's patience suggests they see long-term value in advanced air mobility.

Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) Stake

Geely's founder, Li Shufu, personally holds a 9.7% stake in Daimler AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group). This is not a direct Geely corporate ownership, but it's highly influential. It gave Geely a seat at the table for partnerships like Smart and allowed technology sharing. However, for the question of "what companies are owned by Geely", this is a grey area – it's a large minority stake, not control.

Farizon – Commercial EVs

Farizon is Geely's commercial vehicle arm, focused on electric trucks and vans. It's wholly owned by Geely and has been gaining traction in China and some export markets. They have a joint venture with the Renault Group for light commercial vehicles. Farizon's vans are sold under the Renault brand in Europe (the Renault Master is based on Farizon tech). This is a B2B play that many consumers don't know about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Volvo fully owned by Geely or just a majority stake?
Geely owns 100% of Volvo Cars through its holding company. However, Volvo is a publicly listed company (OTC: VOLAF) – Geely owns about 82% of the shares, with the rest floating. But they control all voting rights, so effectively, Volvo is a subsidiary. The listing was done to raise capital, but Geely isn't letting go.
Does Geely own any stake in Mercedes-Benz?
Not directly. Geely's founder Li Shufu owns a 9.7% stake in Mercedes-Benz Group, but that's a personal investment, not a corporate asset of Geely Holding. However, it's often lumped in because of the symbiotic relationship – like the Smart joint venture. If you're looking for Geely corporate ownership, that stake doesn't count.
What about Polestar – is it a Geely company or Volvo?
Both. Polestar is a joint venture between Geely (49.5%) and Volvo (48.3%), with the rest public. Geely effectively controls it because Volvo is a Geely subsidiary. But Polestar operates independently with its own management. It's listed on NASDAQ, so you can buy shares – but be ready for wild swings.
Why did Geely buy all these companies?
Geely's strategy is to acquire established brands with strong identities and then inject modern platforms, EV technology, and Chinese manufacturing efficiency. They get premium image (Volvo, Lotus), distribution networks (Proton), niche tech (LEVC, Terrafugia), and then leverage those assets to enter new markets. It's a classic "leapfrog" play – skip the decades of brand building.
Are there any Geely-owned brands that are publicly traded?
Yes. Volvo Cars (VOLAF on OTC, also listed on Nasdaq Stockholm) and Polestar (PSNY on NASDAQ) are publicly traded. Geely itself (Geely Automobile Holdings, 0175.HK) is listed in Hong Kong, but that's the Chinese car brand, not the holding group. The holding group (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group) is private. So if you want to invest in Geely's empire, you can buy shares in its subsidiaries or the Hong Kong-listed arm.
Is there a complete list of all Geely-owned companies?
The major ones: Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company), Proton, Smart (50-50 JV with Mercedes), Terrafugia, Farizon (commercial EVs). Plus minority stakes in Daimler (personal), Aston Martin (small stake), and a few others. But the core portfolio is those seven. I've covered them above with details you won't find on Wikipedia.

So, that's the full picture of what companies are owned by Geely. From Swedish luxury to Malaysian SUVs, from London cabs to American flying cars – Geely's reach is staggering. If you're an investor, keep an eye on how they integrate these brands. If you're a car enthusiast, you're probably driving something Geely-related without knowing it.

*This article is based on publicly available information and personal industry tracking. Always verify current ownership structures, as minority stakes and joint ventures can shift.*