Geely is looking to sell electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand and is currently considering models for import and local manufacturing, Reuters reports. According to anonymous sources that spoke with the news outlet, the Chinese carmaker is considering whether to market an entry-level EV as well as a fully electric pick-up truck from its Radar brand.
Officially, Geely is not confirming any such plans, with a company media representative declining to provide details about any talks on investments. However, it is known that Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) organised a roadshow in China back in April to lure foreign funds.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, who is the BOI’s secretary-general, revealed discussions were held with five major Chinese EV makers during the roadshow, including Geely, BYD, Chongqing Changan Automobile, JAC Motors and Jiangling Motors, “All expressed keen interest in Thailand’s policy to develop a regional EV production base and an integrated EV supply chain,” Narit said.
Thailand is aiming to have EVs account for 30% of its automotive production by 2030 and is offering financial incentives to car companies to attractive foreign investment. Meanwhile, subsidies are being offered to car buyers to promote the demand for EVs in the country.
Thailand already has a love affair with pickup trucks, so what better way to embrace the government’s EV push than an electric pickup truck?
The Geely Radar RD6 measures 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,830 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,120 mm, which makes it about the same size as a double-cab Toyota Hilux, which measures 5,325 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.
Currently, all available variants of the Radar RD6 on sale are powered by a single rear motor, producing 272 PS, which propels the electric pick-up truck along the 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 6.9 seconds.
Three battery choices are available for Radar RD6 buyers in China; and these are 63 kWh, 86 kWh and 100 kWh. These offer maximum range figures of 400 km, 550 km and 632 km respectively, with the largest battery variant supporting DC charging at up to 120 kW, while the maximum AC charging rate for the RD6 is 11 kW.
Geely has many brands in its portfolio, some of which are given working-level autonomy that complicates discussions. “They have to decide what model to bring to Thailand,” said one of the sources, who added that a local assembly plant is also being reviewed.
The divisions within the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group include the Geely Auto Group that has Geely Auto, Geometry, Lynk & Co and Proton (49.9% stake). Others include Zeekr Intelligent Technology (Zeekr), Lotus Group (Lotus Cars), smart Automobile (a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz), Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars and Polestar), LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company), Radar New Energy Automobile (Radar) and Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Guess Malaysia is still sleeping after so many previous government who can’t decide on EV future until today.
waiting for best way to songlap
Tenkiu PM Ahjibkor for the hardwork bringing Geely partnership with Proton.
And he is now being rewarded with free accommodation, free food, free security guards, as a special guest of the government for 12 years.
Too bad we have a jaguh kampung gatekeeper and an archaic AP policy here preventing companies from coming in directly
Another Feather/Star to Thailand CAP ! Whilst here ???? Why ???
if we didnt have to bail Proton out from death, then we would have eely operating directly here, and get all the goodies similar to Thailand.
MG position is strong at Thailand, can Geely climb?
MG cars is china car champ at the Land of Smiles.
Geely have to face it.
Name it here as Proton Arena. confirm selling like hot cake
The Proton Jumbuck (Export name of the Arena) is the only Proton that sold significantly better in foreign markets (United Kingdom, Taiwan and Australia) than in Malaysia.
This Radar Pick-up look is simple but sooo attractive… I don’ know why… but I really like it.