Geely has yet to complete its purchase of Ford ’s Volvo brand, but several Volvo dealers are already considering the possibility of selling Geely-branded vehicles in the United States. Geely is expected to complete its purchase of the Volvo brand by the end of the second quarter.
Several Chinese automakers are trying to break in to the United States market, including Geely. A U.S. distribution network is one of the largest hurdles preventing Chinese automakers from selling their products here, but Geely’s Volvo purchase could solve that issue.
Although most U.S. Volvo dealers have been receptive to the idea of a Geely franchise, some are still wary that the deal for Volvo will be completed at all. “Until this deal goes down, I’m not even thinking about selling a Geely car,” Mike DiChristofano, vice president of Volvo of Tucson in Arizona, told Automotive News. “With these deals — look at what happened with Saab — it’s all pure speculation until it happens.”
Geely has yet to announce any U.S. plans, but it seems likely something is at least in the works. However, industry experts believe it will take Geely at least five years to develop a vehicle that will be up to the quality and safety standards of the U.S. market.
