For Geely, which has typically grown its business through global partnerships, the deal goes beyond selling cars in South Korea and is a way for the Chinese automaker to export cars made in South Korea to the US, a person close to the company said. "It is an open door into the US," said the person, who declined to be named because the plans are confidential. The person said while the details of how the partnership would work had not been sorted, Geely might initially use the Busan plant to make electric robotaxis for Waymo, Alphabet Inc's self-driving unit with which it has an existing supply agreement.