Geely Auto’s 2024 ESG Report Charts a Bold Path Toward Global Sustainability and Automotive Leadership
Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (“Geely Auto” or “Geely”), one of China’s foremost automotive innovators and a rising global player, has released its highly anticipated 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. This latest edition of the company’s annual sustainability disclosure not only tracks Geely’s ESG progress over the past year but also outlines the ambitious roadmap it is following to achieve its long-term environmental and societal goals.
Structured around six strategic pillars—climate neutrality, nature positive initiatives, comprehensive safety, digitalization and innovation, co-prosperity, and governance and ethics—Geely’s 2024 ESG Report reflects both measurable progress and forward-looking ambition. It underscores how the company is integrating sustainability into every layer of its operations, from the factory floor to executive decision-making, while reinforcing its position as a technologically advanced, socially responsible, and globally competitive auto manufacturer.
Accelerating Toward Climate Neutrality
In a year marked by escalating climate challenges and tightening global emissions standards, Geely Auto’s performance in emissions reduction stands out. According to the 2024 ESG Report, the company achieved an 18% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions per vehicle, measured against a 2020 baseline. This significant progress is a testament to Geely’s methodical, science-based approach to decarbonization.
Central to this achievement has been the company’s rapid expansion of its new energy vehicle (NEV) portfolio. Geely reported a remarkable 92% year-over-year increase in NEV sales in 2024, bringing its annual total to 888,000 units. This surge reflects both strong market demand and Geely’s continued investment in electrification technology and infrastructure.
Geely’s commitment to cleaner mobility is also evident in its operational practices. The automaker now operates 12 certified green factories and 11 zero-waste manufacturing facilities. Notably, it holds the unique distinction of being the only automotive company in China to be formally recognized as a “Zero-Waste Enterprise.” In 2024, Geely completed three zero-carbon factories ahead of schedule. These facilities now draw more than 64% of their total energy needs from renewable sources—an achievement that puts the company well ahead of many global competitors.
Taken together, these milestones signal not only compliance with environmental expectations but also leadership in shaping what a climate-responsible automotive company should look like in the 21st century.
Technology as a Catalyst for Sustainability and Growth
For Geely, sustainability is not a limitation—it’s a springboard for innovation. The 2024 ESG Report details a series of technological breakthroughs that reinforce Geely’s identity as a pioneer in smart, safe, and sustainable mobility.
One of the highlights is the rollout of the GEA (Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture), which provides a scalable platform for electric and hybrid vehicle development. Complementing this are the latest iterations of the NordThor hybrid powertrain system and the Short Blade Battery—innovations designed to deliver enhanced energy efficiency, greater range, and improved safety in EVs and hybrids.
In tandem with these technologies, Geely has deepened its research and development into alternative energy solutions such as methanol and hydrogen power. The company debuted its fifth-generation super methanol plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology in 2024, reflecting its commitment to a diverse and resilient clean energy strategy.
Geely’s technological leadership has also been on display at high-profile events. During the 9th Asian Winter Games, the company provided methanol-hydrogen PHEVs to the Harbin Transportation Group to serve athletes and attendees. This not only showcased the real-world viability of its innovations but also underscored Geely’s role in supporting sustainable public transportation solutions at scale.
Advancing Vehicle Safety and Consumer Trust
Safety and quality remain foundational to Geely’s global brand promise. In 2024, eight Geely models earned the prestigious five-star rating from the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP), a rigorous benchmark for automotive safety. Additionally, three models received top-tier ratings from Euro NCAP, and one from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Among these accolades, the Geely EX5 emerged as a standout model. It was awarded the NESTA 6D Electric Safety Certification as well as the Top Safety Challenge Certificate—both affirmations of the model’s industry-leading safety credentials.
These certifications reflect Geely’s ongoing investment in next-generation safety systems, including intelligent driver assistance, automated emergency response, and robust battery protection technologies. By embedding these features into its vehicles, Geely is working to build not only safer cars but also stronger consumer confidence—particularly in international markets where regulatory and consumer expectations are among the highest.
Building a Greener, More Resilient Supply Chain
Geely Auto’s ESG strategy goes beyond its own factories and products—it extends into every link of its supply chain. The company’s 2024 report highlights efforts to promote a decarbonized and resource-efficient ecosystem through collaboration with suppliers, recyclers, and material producers.
Over 50% of Geely’s core suppliers now operate using green electricity, and nearly half report full conversion to 100% renewable energy sources. Geely has also implemented closed-loop recycling systems that recovered over 15,000 tons of steel and approximately 5,000 tons of aluminum in 2024 alone. These initiatives eliminated an estimated 115,000 tons of carbon emissions that would have otherwise entered the atmosphere.
Moreover, Geely is making strides in vehicle and component circularity. The company recycled and remanufactured 67,419 automotive components in 2024 and processed 1,770 end-of-life vehicles for parts reuse. These practices represent a strong commitment to the circular economy and further differentiate Geely in a global industry still learning to grapple with sustainability beyond tailpipe emissions.
Additionally, biodiversity preservation has emerged as a focus area, with Geely integrating habitat protection standards and ecological assessments into the siting of new manufacturing facilities. This commitment signals a shift toward more holistic environmental stewardship that includes not just emissions, but ecosystems.
Empowering People and Enriching Communities
Beyond environmental metrics, Geely’s ESG framework places significant emphasis on social responsibility and employee development. In 2024, the company invested 1.85 million hours in employee upskilling, with a strong focus on electrification technologies and digital literacy. All critical roles across the company are now covered by digital education programs, ensuring a future-ready workforce that can keep pace with rapidly evolving industry needs.
Employee development also includes strong diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, though specific demographic data was not disclosed in the report. However, Geely has indicated that future ESG reporting may include more detailed workforce diversity metrics as part of its commitment to transparency.
Geely has also taken proactive steps in community engagement. In 2024, the company participated in environmental restoration projects, contributed to emergency disaster relief efforts, and supported local development initiatives near its manufacturing hubs. These initiatives are tied to “co-prosperity” pillar, which promotes equitable development and shared success across all stakeholders.
Strengthening Governance and Stakeholder Engagement
Good governance underpins Auto’s entire ESG strategy. The 2024 report outlines how the company has deepened its ESG oversight through a more empowered Board ESG Committee, comprehensive risk assessments, and improved transparency in its reporting mechanisms.
Geely has also increased its stakeholder engagement activities—hosting town halls, investor briefings, and supplier summits to better align ESG performance with partner expectations. These interactions have allowed the company to better anticipate regulatory developments, identify opportunities for joint innovation, and earn recognition from sustainability rating agencies.
Indeed, Geely’s 2024 ESG efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company has earned top marks from domestic and international rating bodies for its transparency, environmental disclosures, and stakeholder responsiveness. Such recognition strengthens investment profile at a time when ESG performance is increasingly viewed as a proxy for long-term resilience and value creation.
A Blueprint for the Automotive Industry
In an era where auto manufacturers are under growing pressure to decarbonize, digitize, and localize, Auto’s 2024 ESG Report serves as a compelling case study in strategic alignment. The company is not merely complying with standards—it is helping to define them.
Geely’s approach to sustainability is multidimensional: it includes climate action, innovation, safety, supply chain responsibility, workforce development, and governance integrity. By embedding ESG principles across these diverse operational domains, is creating not only environmental and social value but also competitive advantage.
As the automotive sector continues its dramatic transformation, Auto’s 2024 ESG journey demonstrates that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they are interdependent—and, when pursued with rigor and vision, they can power an entire industry forward.
