One of the world's largest vehicle brands is finally launching in the UK as it looks to gain ground in the emerging electric vehicle market.

Geely Auto has announced that it will be entering the UK passenger car market, with its EX5 electric car set to be on forecourts by the end of the year.

The EX5, which made its debut at the Octopus Electric Vehicles Drive Day, will be Geely Auto's flagship model as it continues its expansion across five continents.

Last year, Geely achieved a record-breaking sales volume of almost 2.2 million vehicles, reflecting a 34 per cent year-on-year increase.

The Geely EX5 will officially launch in the UK in the coming months

It also had an overseas export sales total of 414,000 units, a jump of 57 per cent year-on-year and 34,000 models more than its original target.

The UK has been identified as one of Geely's "key regions" in its globalisation plan, as it aims to have more than 1,100 outlets worldwide by the end of the year.

Mike Yang, General Manager at Geely Auto UK: "We know the Geely EX5 is a great product with several core features that will appeal to a British audience.

"That's why we chose it to be our first passenger car for sale in the UK. However, we're aware that UK customers have unique demands."

Sales of the Geely EX5 will begin in the fourth quarter of the year

While the brand has not released any details about the UK's specification of the EX5, it is expected to cost around £35,000 when sales begin in the last three months of the year.

The EX5 has a range of 430km, fast charging capabilities from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes and acceleration of 0-100km in 6.9 seconds.

Geely's Australian site shows that prices for the EX5 begin from around A$44,000, which equates to £21,117, although prices vary depending on the state.

Yang added: "Before we release the car for sale, we’re working with the experts at Lotus Engineering to make sure we have a car that’s in line with expectations.

Geely is working with Lotus to ensure the car is equipped and well-suited for UK roads

"Lotus Engineering has a formidable track record along with some of the best R&D resources, so we're delighted to be working closely with them."

The independent report will help fine-tune the Geely EX5 for its best use on European roads and customer driving styles.

Lee Jeffcoat, Commercial Director at Lotus Engineering, the iconic British brand was happy to work with the fellow Geely-owned manufacturer.

He continued, saying: "As a global leader in vehicle dynamics, Lotus Engineering was proud to be asked by a Geely partner company to give our expert opinion on the Geely EX5.

"Our world-class experts and access to advanced facilities meant we could provide an independent assessment of the Geely EX5’s dynamics, performance in class and potential Europe-specific tuning before it goes on sale in the UK."

Geely Holding Group, the owner of Geely Auto, also oversees brands frequently seen on UK roads, including LEVC, Volvo, Polestar and Smart.

In addition to its UK expansion, Geely Auto is moving into markets in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

A total of 16 high-value mainstream models are being introduced across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Panama and other key markets.