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Electric, hybrid and petrol-powered models are under study as Geely gears up to officially launch in Australia with an ambitious long-term sales target.
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New Chinese brand Geely has set its sights on following MG and GWM as a major Australian automotive player, aiming to overtake the likes of Nissan and Subaru on the sales ladder.
Although not officially launched locally yet, Geely Australia CEO Lei Li told Drive its plan is supported by extensive market research, but its goal won’t be achieved overnight.
“We have ambitious sales targets, but I can’t give you specific numbers. In time, with our long-term commitment to Australia, I do see Geely being a Top 10 brand in the country,” Li said.
“Geely has invested a considerable amount of resources into developing its offering for the right-hand-drive market.
“Even though we are not among the first Chinese brands to enter Australia, we have made a concerted effort to understand the market and customer demands via robust research.
“This gives us a strong insight into the Australian market, which we believe gives us a good foundation from which to work from.”
It undercuts established all-electric rivals like the Tesla Model Y (from $63,400), as well as newcomers such as the Kia EV5 (from $56,770), Leapmotor C10 BEV (from $45,888), XPeng G6 (from $56,900) and Deepal S07 (from $53,900).
In fact, the EX5 is so competitively priced, it is in line with hybrid cars in the same class such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4.
While the EX5 will be the first model available from Geely Australia, Li said Geely will look at all powertrain options available – including purely petrol-powered models – unlike other rival Chinese brands that will remain electric-only.
“Geely will not be just pure EV. The brand has strong EV, hybrid, and ICE [internal combustion engine] options to potentially bring to the market in the future,” Li said.
“I can't confirm the next models to be launched at this stage, but we are looking at a strong line-up of EV, hybrid, and ICE options to meet market demands.”
In its home market of China, the EX5 is known as the E5 and sold under the Geely Auto Galaxy sub-brand, which could pave the way for more Galaxy models to come.
Given the local market’s appetite for SUVs, the Starship 7 large SUV and L7 mid-size SUV – both plug-in hybrids – could be in the mix, while the all-electric LEVC L380 people mover could be a potential rival to the Zeekr 009.
However, local buyers are likely to gravitate towards Geely’s ute, known as the Radar RD6 in overseas markets, which will be the next all-electric pick-up in Australia.
Li acknowledged the importance of utes to Australia, but stopped short of confirmation and timing.
“We know utes are very important and loved in Australia, and we are studying the market,” Li said.
“We are aware of the segment and will address it when we see the right opportunity and timing.”
In China, the RD6 is offered with a 315kW/594Nm dual-electric motor set-up and a driving range (based on CLTC testing) of up to 520km thanks to an 86kWh battery, while its dimensions size it up against the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.
Geely Australia now has representation in all states and territories barring Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, with 16 dealerships and more showrooms opening soon.
The brand is also promising more details on future models, expanded footprint and aftersales care at its official launch on March 11.
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
