OTTAWA, June 27: Chinese automotive giant Geely Holding Group is set to introduce its first Lotus-branded electric vehicles (EVs) to the Canadian market in July under a landmark trade agreement reached between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to China’s Ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, the first shipment of Chinese-owned and Chinese-manufactured Lotus EVs will arrive in Montreal next month, where an official launch ceremony is expected to mark a significant milestone in bilateral economic cooperation. The agreement allows up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter Canada annually under a reduced tariff framework, reflecting Ottawa’s broader strategy to diversify trade partnerships and reduce its long-standing dependence on the United States. Ambassador Wang also revealed that other major Chinese automakers, including BYD and Chery, are currently working with Canadian authorities to complete the necessary regulatory procedures before officially entering the Canadian market later this year. Several vehicles have already been imported for testing under Canadian road and climate conditions as part of the approval process. BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li recently indicated that the company is expected to begin commercial sales in Canada next year, while Tesla has already imported China-made vehicles into the country. Beyond vehicle imports, Canada is actively seeking investment and joint ventures in its rapidly expanding electric vehicle supply chain, including battery manufacturing and advanced automotive technologies. Wang stated that Chinese manufacturers are interested in establishing joint ventures in Canada but will initially focus on building market demand and strengthening their sales networks before making major investment decisions. The Carney government’s decision to open the Canadian market to Chinese EVs has drawn criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and officials, who argue that increased Chinese competition could reshape the North American automotive industry. During his visit to Beijing earlier this year, Prime Minister Carney pledged to increase Canadian exports to China by 50 percent by 2030, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed confidence that bilateral trade could ultimately double if both countries continue expanding economic cooperation. Industry analysts believe the arrival of Geely’s Lotus vehicles represents more than just the launch of another electric car brand; it signals a potentially transformative shift in Canada’s EV market, offering consumers greater choice, increased competition, and more affordable electric mobility options. As additional Chinese manufacturers prepare to enter Canada, the country’s automotive sector is expected to become one of the most competitive EV markets in North America, with broader implications for global trade, green technology, and the future of international electric vehicle manufacturing. Source: Reuters
New chapter in China-Canada trade, Geely’s Lotus EV to arrive in Canada in July
