How Chinese carmaker Geely put roots in the U.S.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle want to block Chinese vehicles from the United States. But over 100 Chinese automakers, auto tech companies, and parts suppliers already have a presence in the U.S., according to a survey done by Dunne Insights, a consultancy that focuses on electric vehicles and autonomous markets. Despite the United States implementing a 100% tariff on EVs from the country and considering a rule banning Chinese connected cars from U.S. roads, a few Chinese companies are finding ways to invest in the country. Chinese behemoth BYD builds buses in California, and Chinese battery maker CATL has struck a licensing deal with Ford Motor to offer tech and services for a battery manufacturing operation in Michigan. One especially well-positioned company is Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Geely, as it is commonly known, has large investments in three automakers already doing business in the U.S. — Volvo Cars , Polestar and Lotus — and smaller stakes in luxury makers Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. Geely's advantage Lotus, Polestar and Volvo all give Geely Holding dealer networks in the U.S. — a key asset, said Tu Le, founder of automotive consultancy firm Sino Auto Insights. "Let's not discount how important a dealer network is and the service infrastructure that needs to be able to support that, because that's not an insignificant task that needs to be sorted out by the automakers that do not have a presence in the United States," Le said. …