Geely debuts in Italy: agreement with Jameel Motors for distribution

A new chapter opens for the Italian automotive industry. Two protagonists of global mobility, Geely Auto and Jameel Motors , join forces to bring a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to the Bel Paese. The distribution agreement, made official in Milan, marks the Italian debut for both brands and represents a strategic move in the broader European expansion plan.

Leading the way will be two SUVs designed for the European public: the fully electric Geely EX5 and a new Super-Hybrid plug-in SUV, both arriving by the end of the year. The Geely EX5 is a 100% electric medium-sized SUV (4,615 mm long), equipped with a 60.22 kWh battery that guarantees a range of approximately 430 km . The Geely Super-Hybrid SUV (PHEV), on the other hand, measures 4,740 mm in length and is equipped with an 18.4 kWh battery, which ensures an electric range of 111 km . In combined mode (petrol + electric), the vehicle reaches a total range of 940 km , ideal for versatile urban and extra-urban use. Jameel Motors Italia , a new branch of the Saudi group, will handle distribution, aiming to build a sales and assistance network with around 100 points across the country. "This is a key moment in a rapidly changing market, between ecological transition and technological revolution," commented Jasmmine Wong , CEO of Jameel Motors, "Italy is ready for a new vision of mobility, and we are ready to offer it."

Founded in 1997 and controlled by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto is today one of the most important companies in the global automotive landscape. With over 2.17 million vehicles sold in 2024 and an annual growth of 32%, the company has established itself as a pioneer of intelligent driving and electric mobility. The international expansion strategy has led Geely to operate in over 80 countries, with an impressive industrial network: 12 production plants , 5 research and development centers distributed between China (Hangzhou and Ningbo), the United Kingdom (Coventry), Germany (Frankfurt) and Sweden (Gothenburg), and 5 design centers, among which the one recently inaugurated in Milan stands out. In the Lombardy capital, in 2023, Geely opened its Innovation Design Center , where Italian designers collaborate on the stylistic definition of the group's future models. A strong signal, which demonstrates not only the desire to take root in the Italian market, but also to enhance the aesthetics and creativity of Made in Italy in the design of the electric car. Geely's technological offering includes cutting-edge Ev and hybrid platforms, artificial intelligence software for predictive vehicle management and the very recent Intelligent Vehicle AI system, which integrates sensors, assisted driving and advanced connectivity.

Behind the name Jameel Motors lies one of the longest-standing and most respected business families in the Arab world. Its history began in 1945, with the founding of Abdul Latif Jameel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a small business. Ten years later, in 1955, the turning point came: the company became the official distributor of Toyota for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , laying the foundations for a partnership that is now one of the most emblematic success stories in automotive history. Today, Jameel Motors operates in over 10 countries across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Oceania, representing brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Byd, Mg Motor, Gac Motor, Farizon Auto, Changan, Hino and now Geely Auto . With over 80 years of experience in the automotive industry, it is recognized as an independent international distributor with a deep understanding of local markets. Jameel Motors' approach is based on the Japanese culture of continuous improvement (Kaizen), inherited from the long relationship with Toyota. Some members of the Jameel family are trained directly in Japan and speak the language fluently, a sign of the commitment to building long-term relationships with industrial partners. In 2025, with the opening of the Italian branch led by Marco Santucci, a long-time manager formerly of Jaguar Land Rover Italy, Jameel Motors aims for sustainable and locally rooted growth, with a strong focus on customer experience , technological innovation and network development. Italy represents a crucial stage in this journey: a mature, competitive market, but with large margins of penetration for new-generation solutions.