Geely’s New Dual-Cab 4×4 Ute in Development for Australia
Geely, the Chinese automotive giant, is reportedly working on a new dual-cab 4×4 ute that could soon hit the Australian market. The local boss of Geely, Alex Gu, has confirmed the development of this new vehicle, suggesting it may be available within the next one to two years.
Speaking with Australian media in Hangzhou, China, Mr. Gu emphasized that the current Riddara RD6 model might not be the best fit for the Australian market. He pointed out that while the RD6 may be popular in other regions like Thailand, it does not align with the traditional ute preferences of Australians, which are typically dominated by models such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.
“For me, to be honest, the Riddara pickup is not the final solution for the Australian market,” said Mr. Gu. “They are not as tied to the traditional ute as Australia – as I understand, normally traditional ute is HiLux, Ranger, those models. We must create [a Geely ute] like those models to get into this segment. So, Radar is not the final one.”
Powertrain Plans for the New Ute
When asked about the powertrain options for the new ute, Mr. Gu was cautious but hinted at a focus on “new energy” solutions. This suggests that the new model will likely feature plug-in hybrid or full electric powertrains, rather than purely internal combustion engines (ICE).
“I will say for the Australian market, so far we don’t have a plan for ICE, because ‘new energy’ is already established [for Geely in Australia],” he said. This aligns with Geely’s broader strategy to move towards sustainable and advanced power solutions.
Geely Auto recently unveiled a ‘New Energy Off-Road Vehicle Architecture’ at the Auto China show in Beijing. This platform features a powerful 745kW-plus tri-motor electric drive system, along with advanced AI-based features such as intelligent torque distribution and active body posture adjustment. The platform is expected to debut under the production version of the Galaxy Cruiser 4WD, which was showcased at last year’s Shanghai motor show and is set for an Australian launch in the second half of 2027.
Capabilities and Market Strategy
Mr. Gu also highlighted the importance of key capabilities for the new ute, including payload, heavy towing, long driving range, and proper off-road performance. He agreed with previous comments from his predecessor, Lei Li, regarding the need for the new model to be competitive with established brands like Ford and Toyota.
“We need to speed up our empty or available segment models… ute is unique, I will speed [it] up,” he said. This indicates that Geely is aiming to quickly establish itself in the Australian market with a strong offering.
In addition, Geely’s research and development team will soon begin early development work in Australia, potentially bringing engineering prototypes for testing. This step is part of Geely’s strict process for each market, ensuring compliance with global standards.
Strategic Goals and Competition
Geely’s local chief expressed confidence in achieving its goal of becoming the number one Chinese brand in Australia by the end of the decade. He noted that his previous experience in the Middle East helped him achieve similar success there, and he aims to replicate that in Australia.
“[For] each model, we will have a certain [process], because for Geely in each market, not only Australia but all markets including China, Saudi Arabia or UAE, we have a very strict process, so we must comply with this one,” Mr. Gu explained.
With the BYD Shark 6 attracting over 18,000 Australian buyers in 2025 and an additional 3,500 by the end of March this year, a dual-cab ute will be a crucial part of Geely’s strategy to surpass current leaders GWM and BYD. These brands sold 52,800 and 52,400 vehicles respectively in Australia last year.
Future Outlook
As Geely continues to develop its new ute, the company is positioning itself to make a significant impact in the Australian market. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and performance, the new model is expected to appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Stay tuned for more updates on Geely’s new ute and share your thoughts in the comments!
