Geely delivered its first batch of 20 GC9 sedans to the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, March 20. 2015. They were provided as part of an agreement reached last October, under which Geely will provide the bureau with 50 of its flagship sedans for diplomatic use.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Su Wen, deputy head of Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, gave a speech at the ceremony in which he expressed his confidence in the future of the partnership between the bureau and Geely.

"This is a critical step forward in our partnership", Su said. "The diplomatic service bureau sincerely looks forward to more extensive and multi-level cooperation with Geely Holding Group, and to the continued development of indigenous Chinese cars in the market."

Su said the partnership with Geely was formed after a careful selection process. The GC9 sedan's place in the mid- to high-end market meets the bureau's high standards.

"We went through a long and rigorous process before selecting Geely Group as a strategic partner to provide our official vehicles. We believe the GC9 comfortably meets our strict requirements and will improve the vehicle services we are able to offer our staff and our foreign counterparts," Su said.

"This is the first time we have used cars from an indigenous Chinese brand, and we want the GC9 to serve as an example of a high-quality, China-made product and demonstrate China's development on the international stage," he said.

World-class design

The GC9 is equipped with a 1.8T turbocharged engine and 6-speed manual and automatic transmission. It produces maximum power of 163kW/5,500 rpm and offers top torque of 250 Nm/1,500-4,500 rpm.

The model is 4,956 mm long, 1,861 mm wide and 1,513 mm high with a 2,850 mm-long wheelbase. It can reach a top speed of 210 km/h. So far the model has 55 dealerships in the country.

The GC9 is the first model to be designed and produced under Geely Auto's new global design and engineering function.

The model was designed by a global team under the guidance of Peter Horbury, Geely Auto's senior vice-president of design. It blends world-class international design with uniquely Chinese aesthetics, according to the company.

Its long wheelbase and spacious interior make it ideal for diplomatic and business use, while cutting-edge features, including an air purification system, adjustable VIP seating, automatic braking, and a heads-up display system showing the vehicle's speed, course and offering navigation hints, offer passengers an extremely safe and comfortable ride, according to Geely.