RD6 electric ute on Geely’s radar

GIVEN that Chinese car maker Geely has extensive automotive holdings it’s no surprise the company has put a focus on electric outdoors lifestyle vehicles – a segment with exponential growth.

Social media has been abuzz of late with speculation about the Geely electric ute’s imminent arrival and what it was going to be called. Incorrectly tipped as the Radar, the name Radar Auto is in fact the over-arching brand of all Geely outdoors lifestyle EVs of which many are planned.

Revealed this week, Radar Auto’s first such vehicle is an electric pick-up (ute) called the RD6.

The Radar RD6 is the first cab off the rank in what will likely be a range of vehicles including SUVs, ATVs and other lifestyle products, based on the ute platform and underpinnings.

All vehicle products from Radar Auto will utilise Geely Holding’s pure electric Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).

According to translated Geely information, GoAuto News can report that the Radar Auto brand is “starting with trucks but is much more than just trucks.”

“Radar Auto was created for a new generation of global consumers who demand vehicles that are as sustainable as their adventures into nature,” Geely Holdings Group said in a statement.

The Radar Auto brand is launched as an independent nameplate within the wider Geely Holdings Group which will give it broad access to full vehicle technologies and shared components for electric vehicles.

Radar Auto is a fully capable independent brand with its own R&D facility in Hangzhou and a fully equipped EV production facility in Zibo, Shandong, from which it will begin production and deliveries of the Radar RD6 in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Geely Holdings has appointed Dr Ling Shi Quan as the CEO of Radar Auto. Dr Ling is a veteran engineering lead at Geely Auto Group and has taken responsibility for several major milestone projects for the Geely Auto Group of brands including Lynk & Co and Geely Auto.

 “Understanding this new market segment and creating a new brand specifically for these users has been the highlight of my career so far. Radar Auto will be purpose-driven from the outset and that purpose is to allow users to explore the world in a more sustainable way,” said Dr Ling.

As well as announcing Radar Auto, Geely launched RD6 designed with guidance from automotive design icon, Peter Horbury, who has been working on the design of RD6 and other vehicles in the range design from his studio in the UK.

“The Radar product portfolio is focused on electric pick-up trucks and SUVs, this direction challenges us to mix functionality and usability with aesthetic form. Our aim is to let Radar users expand their horizons and explore nature in a sustainable way,” said Mr Horbury.

Using the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) for RD6 enables varied technology underpinnings that will include single and dual motor options. Performance figures and model range will be announced at a later date.

The SEA allows space to be maximised allowing for a ‘front boot’ under the bonnet as well as a truck bed that boasts external charging facilities.

Engaging closely with users, Radar Auto is also introducing a lifestyle sub-brand, Radar Weekends that focuses on outdoor lifestyles and will cooperate with different partners to create a fun, diverse outdoors ecosystem.

Radar Weekends will work with the camping equipment brand, NatureHike to develop a variety of outdoor camping accessories for the brand’s vehicles.

In addition, Radar Auto has also partnered with National Geographic China for a program to Protect Nature’s Wonders which promotes the concept of leaving no trace behind when adventuring in the great outdoors.

“In a post-COVID era, Radar is ready to enhance the appreciation of nature and the great outdoors,” Geely’s statement continued.

“A new generation of consumers will want to discover joy in the outdoor lifestyle and culture represented by activities such as camping, hiking, adventuring, and Geely is confident Radar will meet their needs.”

Information as to an Australian distributor for Geely (and Radar) is currently unavailable.