The company said the GC9 is safe, comfortable and highly driveable, and that offers a very "human" technological experience.

More than 2,000 engineers from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia participated in the research and development process for the model.

The GC9 is well equipped, sturdy and driver-friendly. It manufactured in Geely's purpose-built world-class factory, which employs international-standard quality control and highly qualified suppliers.

The company believes this model encapsulates the Geely brand principle of being "dynamic and refined, confident and inspiring".

According to Geely, the company sold 1,000 limited edition GC9s in 77 minutes on March 16, through China's three major online e-commerce platforms, Tmall.com, suning.com and JD.com, and an auto service website 5dcar.com.

The company said it aims to sell more than 20,000 units of the GC9 this year.

Founded in 1986, Hangzhou-headquartered Zhengjiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd is one of China's fastest growing auto manufacturers, as well as the industry's leading privately held group.

It is a fully integrated independent auto manufacturer producing cars, motorcycles, engines and transmissions.

Its associated companies have established operations that span the automotive value chain, from research, development and design to production, sales and servicing.

It sells passenger cars under the Geely and Volvo marques.