China's Geely Automobile has formalised its entry into the Canadian market and will begin its first vehicle sales in 2027. On Oct. 9, electric vehicle outlet Electrek reported that Geely has started work to build a Canadian business organisation and dealer network.

Geely has opened a Canadian website, geely.ca, but has not yet disclosed the models it will launch, pricing or dealer locations. The only confirmed detail so far is that sales will start in 2027.

Brian Wu (브라이언 우), managing director of Geely Auto Canada, said the move into Canada is based on a long-term commitment. Geely also said it will build a retail and service network with reliable partners who understand local communities, making it likely to choose an existing franchise dealership system.

Models being cited for export markets include the EX5 electric SUV and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid. The EX5 is sold in China under the name Galaxy E5, but the model to be deployed in Canada has not been finalised.

The entry comes as Canada changes its tariff system for China-made electric vehicles. Canada, in an agreement with China in January, lowered the 100 percent tariff that had applied to China-made electric vehicles and created a quota that applies a 6.1 percent most-favoured-nation rate to up to 49,000 vehicles a year. The system took effect on March 1, and shipments beyond the quota still face an additional 100 percent tariff.

The current quota has not yet been exhausted. The Canadian government allocates permits in two six-month periods, and 8,897 unused vehicles from the first period carried over, increasing the current period's volume to 33,397 vehicles through Feb. 28, 2027. Geely's 2027 sales schedule is likely to overlap with the second quota year.

BYD is also preparing 20 dealerships in Canada, starting in Toronto. In June, China's ambassador to Canada said Lotus electric vehicles produced in China by Geely Holding would enter through the system in July.

For Geely's own brand, Canada is effectively the only route into the North American market. The United States has raised barriers with regulations on China-made connected vehicle technology, and Geely affiliate Polestar is also being affected in the U.S. market.