The renowned Chinese automotive company Geely confirmed, through its new importer Autos Sustentables del Sur, that it has concrete plans to assemble electric vehicles in Argentina within five years.
This was announced by the company’s general manager, Juan Azamendia, who also revealed that the first models to arrive in the country will be those produced in Brazil by Renault Group.
A project in proposal phase, but with firm commitment
Azamendia explained that one of the conditions of the five-year contract signed with Geely is to evaluate the capacity to assemble locally.
“They asked us if we are prepared to do it in Argentina, and the answer will be positive, although it will depend on the context of the coming years,” the executive said in an interview with Auto X.
Although the project is still in the proposal stage, the executive assured that the commitment exists: “Whatever Geely decides, we will support it. We are convinced that we can make it happen.”
Cooperation with Brazil: production and batteries
In parallel, the company announced that it will begin to import from Brazil the models manufactured at the Ayrton Senna complex of Renault Group, located in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná.
The first model to arrive will be the Geely EX5 electric SUV, recently launched in Argentina.
“It’s a great success that it is produced in Brazil and arrives in the country. Yes, it will be the EX5,” confirmed Azamendia.
He also anticipated that in Brazil, batteries for electric vehicles will also be manufactured, reinforcing the goal of building a regional electromobility chain.
China: undisputed leader in electric cars
Geely’s arrival in Argentina is part of China’s global leadership in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
- Leader in production: more than 70% of the world’s EVs were manufactured in China in 2024.
- Largest market: EV penetration reached 49% of the domestic market in 2024.
- Dominance of local brands: manufacturers like BYD surpass international competitors in sales.
Factors of Chinese dominance in electromobility
China’s success is explained by a combination of policies and industrial strategies:
- Early strategic investment in EV research and manufacturing and components.
- Control of the supply chain: it produces three-quarters of the world’s batteries and ensures access to key raw materials.
- Accelerated development of charging infrastructure, which boosts domestic demand.
Global impact: competition and energy transition
China’s advance in electromobility has international repercussions:
- Growing export of electric vehicles to Europe and other regions.
- Direct competition for traditional manufacturers in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
- Global trend: China’s success forces other countries to invest in their own EV industries to avoid being left behind in the energy transition.
Opportunity for Argentina: regional integration and local production
The potential assembly of Geely vehicles in Argentina represents a strategic opportunity to:
- Boost the local automotive industry with cutting-edge technology.
- Integrate into the regional electromobility chain alongside Brazil.
- Advance in the energy transition, reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
The challenge will be to generate the necessary stability and competitiveness conditions for the project to materialize. If achieved, Argentina could become a key player in the regional production of electric cars, joining the global wave of transformation in the automotive industry.
