In 2025, the Chinese automotive industry is entering a new phase of development, characterized by a transition from multi-brand expansion to internal consolidation. Increased competition, rising costs, and slowing demand are forcing major manufacturers to revise their strategies. According to Sina, the country's leading companies are actively restructuring brands, merging business units, and optimizing organizational systems to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
A prime example is the integration of Geely Automobile Holdings with Zeekr Intelligent Technology. On December 22, 2025, Geely completed the privatization of Zeekr and consolidated the brand under full control, delisting the company from the New York Stock Exchange. According to management, the consolidation will strengthen synergy between brands, optimize product development, production, and sales channels, ensuring more coordinated management.
Previously, Chinese automakers actively created or acquired separate brands for segmented markets, leading to fragmentation. Geely's integration combined key brands, including Geely itself, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr, under centralized management. This decision was a response to structural changes in the market and the need to improve internal consistency to withstand growing competition.
The One Geely strategy aims to eliminate duplicate costs, improve R&D efficiency, and enhance competitiveness. Internal company assessments show that centralized coordination will provide savings in technology development, marketing, procurement, and administrative expenses, which will strengthen the brands' positions in the long term.
Similar trends are observed among other major players. Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) has merged the Aion and Haobo brands into a single electric vehicle production unit, with gradual integration of sales channels by 2026. SAIC Motor is also undergoing structural consolidation, optimizing inter-brand operations and focusing on technology sharing and centralized R&D management.
Experts note that the wave of integration reflects the overall industry strategy. The era of rapid growth in demand for passenger cars and electric vehicles is giving way to a competitive environment where priority is shifting to resource concentration, operational optimization, and economies of scale. Market data shows that leaders such as BYD maintain dominant positions, while other brands struggle to maintain sales volumes and profitability.
Financial indicators confirm the effectiveness of consolidation. In 2025, Geely recorded growth in sales of electrified vehicles and an increase in profits, which is attributed to the integration strategy. Industry leaders emphasize that internal consolidation of brands and business units allows for more efficient cost management, focusing on key technologies, and strengthening positions in a mature market, forming the basis for sustainable development.