According to figures released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), in the first eleven months of 2012 Chinese self-developed brands exported 470,000 passenger vehicles in total—with automotive manufacturers on average showing a 30% sales increase over 2011 figures. From January to December 2012 Geely’s export sales reached 100,300 vehicles in total, an increase of 164% over 2011’s figures, making Geely the second biggest car exporter in China.

Geely’s December 2012 sales were pulled forward by a strong showing from the Emgrand series of vehicles. The Emgrand range of vehicles, which includes the EC7-RV hatchback, EC7 Compact Sedan and EC8 mid-size sedan, proved to be popular models in key markets with export sales breaching 40,000 units over the course of 2012 and accounting for 40% of total export sales. The EC7 series alone sold more than 30,000 units, an increase of more than 500% in year-on-year comparison with 2011 export figures.

In 2007, Geely signed a joint venture with the British taxi manufacturer Manganese Bronze which saw the two companies produce the TX range of taxis in Shanghai, which are sold in the local Chinese market and also to international markets including the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia. In 2009, Geely bought the Australian transmission manufacturer Drivetrain Systems International (DSI) and then in 2010 Geely purchased Volvo Car Corporation from Ford.

Geely has set up multiple complete knock down (CKD) facilities in key markets to speed up product delivery and also lower costs for consumers. Geely has established CKD facilities in partnership with local partners in Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia and a new CKD plant came online in Egypt in mid-2012. In addition, plans for new production facilities in Ethiopia and Brazil are well under way.

In 2013 Geely will expand into Egypt, Iran and Algeria to gain a foothold in each key geographic area, which will help the company expand outwards from each region. New models will be continually introduced into export markets; the new GX7 will be rolled out to key international markets over the course of 2012 and other new models will follow. Geely plans to expand in each market with increased investment, new models and strengthened training policies for its domestic and international sales staff to ensure customer satisfaction in all markets.