Breaking into an established car market for a new, unheard-of carmaker is difficult. Doing it quickly enough to outsell familiar names like Honda and Mazda is a whole different story. Geely has managed exactly that in Britain, registering 5,155 vehicles in September 2026, its 11th month on sale in the country. The Chinese automaker also recently signed its 100th UK retail outlet, giving it a growing dealer network to support its expanding lineup. According to AutoNext, the September result puts Geely ahead of several established brands, even as it continues building recognition among British buyers.
Geely
Geely Is Already Beating Established Brands
September’s registration figures put Geely ahead of Mazda, which recorded 4,417 vehicles, and Honda, which registered 4,149. Geely accounted for approximately 1.47 percent of Britain’s 350,536 new-car registrations that month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The brand entered the UK in October 2025 with the EX5 electric SUV. Its range has since expanded to include the smaller EX2 and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV, giving buyers more than one option. The momentum also reflects a broader shift in the British market, where Chinese automakers are gaining ground with increasingly varied lineups and expanding retail networks.
A 100-Outlet Network In Less Than A Year
Geely’s latest milestone is the signing of its 100th UK retail outlet, Evans Halshaw Geely Mansfield. Evans Halshaw is part of Lithia, one of Britain’s largest automotive retail groups. There is an important distinction, though: Geely has signed agreements covering 100 outlets, but has not confirmed that all of them are already open. The company had set a target of establishing 100 UK sites by the end of 2026, and the latest agreement puts it on track to meet that goal.
The expansion matters because a wider dealer network gives customers more opportunities to see the cars, arrange test drives and access servicing. Geely’s September registrations suggest that its early UK push is gaining traction, although sustained demand over the coming months will show whether it can maintain that pace against established competitors and other Chinese brands.
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