Li's ambition to expand to Europe started with the 2010 acquisition of Volvo Cars from Ford Motor, defying skepticism to revive the ailing brand with a fresh lineup of SUVs. Last year, he won control of British sports-car maker Lotus, and in 2013 purchased Manganese Bronze Holdings, rescuing the maker of London's iconic black cabs after it entered administration.
Daimler sendiri mengatakan terbuka untuk pembeli jangka panjang di pasar terbuka tetapi menolak mengenai niat Geely tersebut.