RADAR could launch Geely pickup we've been waiting for

Geely has been buzzing. With models like the Coolray and Okavango, Geely has swiftly made a name for itself in the Philippine automotive scene. These two models have changed the perception of China-made vehicles in our local market. With other offerings like the more premium Azkara and their recent release in the Emgrand subcompact sedan, one cannot dismiss the fact that the brand has made a (noticeable) dent in the local market.

And now, it seems Geely is about to dip its toes into the (EV) pick-up truck market. Based on multiple reports from the People's Republic, the automaker may have its first electric pickup truck on the horizon. The automaker has revealed its new RADAR brand which will reportedly be launched next month. Standing for “Rational Alone Discovery Accompany Romantic”, the brand will be positioned as their adventure-focused, outdoor lifestyle EV line. With Chinese cities lifting bans on pickups within their limits, customers have now been more inclined to purchase trucks for recreational use. This is what RADAR might implant as one of its core marketing strategies. 

The Chinese media has been comparing the truck to the Tesla Cybertruck and the Ford F-150 Lightning. They also speculate that the truck may use Geely’s SEA platform or the Leishen HiX hybrid technology. With the truck being an EV, it’s likely the former SEA platform will be utilized more than the HiX Hybrid. Geely’s external PR manager, Ash Sutcliffe mentioned on his Twitter that the truck may possibly be the same size as the Toyota Hilux and will have a wheelbase of 3100 mm. 

Even Twitter user @GregKable shared images of the supposed truck. He shared images of a camoed-out four-door pickup truck. He also claims that the truck will also be under Geely’s commercial vehicle brand Farizon. 

With the popularity of pickup trucks in our local market, Geely may want to try and figure out how to get a nice chunk of that pie. With their vehicle lineup becoming more diverse, we may have to wait a while before getting any RADAR-designed trucks here as they will all be fully electric. The company may develop a hybrid engine for our market when the trucks launch by year-end.