After completing the Volvo takeover, the guys over at Geely have become much more optimistic and ambitious with their goals. The Geely group intends to grow more than ever this year, with a clear goal to become one of the top 500 companies in the world.

"This year we will expand Geely's production capacity to over ten trillion units, enough to be one of the world's top 500 enterprises," said Yang Jian, president of Geely Holding Group, according to a report by Gasgoo.com. As for the auto branch in particular, Geely expects sales to have good growth in the next few years as the Volvo product range will be launched both in the domestic markets and in other unexplored regions. The company wants to double its market share in China, with sales to reach 2 million cars per year by 2015. More than 40 new models based on 15 platforms with be launched by its core brands in China such as Emgrand, Gleagle and Englon. To cater for the projected increase in sales, the dealership network will also be increased, with new stores to deliver not only models sold under its Chinese brands, but also vehicles wearing Volvo's badge.

Geely reminds me of the Hyundai group in the 1980s. However, I believe Geely has a more uphill task than Hyundai in establishing its branding overseas due to its Chinese roots, which is infamous for unscrupulous manufacturers of tainted milk powder and harmful toys.