Another Chinese automaker weighs producing vehicles in Argentina

Geely is considering a future production plant in Argentina, but its local chief stopped short of offering a firm commitment or a date. “While I cannot give a definitive answer in affirmative terms or a date, it could be planned for the future,” Ma Yadong said during a news conference attended by La Nación.

Ma said Argentina’s market is important to Geely and described his visit as having a “very ambitious purpose.” He was scheduled to travel to Córdoba the following day to examine the province’s automotive industry and possible opportunities. Renault operates a factory there with production capacity.

For now, Geely will continue supplying Argentina with vehicles imported from China. Ma also rejected the idea that the company would enter the country as a subsidiary. Its long-term plan is to maintain the current arrangement with Autos Sustentables del Sur, led by Juan Azamendia.

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While I cannot give a definitive answer in affirmative terms or a date, it could be planned for the future. Given the characteristics and size of the Argentine market, it can be expected that Geely will have a plant in Argentina in the future.

The possibility of regional production is not entirely new for Geely. The automaker is expected to begin manufacturing vehicles in Brazil at Renault’s Ayrton Senna Complex in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, under its international partnership with Renault. Ma said the company would not comment on a possible local alliance with Renault.

Geely returned to Argentina last October with the EX5, an all-electric SUV. It later added the Icon, a compact gasoline-powered SUV, and has announced the arrival of the Riddara, a plug-in hybrid pickup that the company presents as unique in its segment. Ma said designing an electric vehicle takes three months, compared with about 10 months for a gasoline model.

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There is no way to answer the question about an alleged local alliance with Renault.