Geely’s pickup truck brand, Riddara, formerly known as Radar for international markets, is poised to expand globally, starting with its debut at the 41st Thailand International Automobile Expo in November. This move marks Geely’s strategic entry into Thailand’s competitive automotive landscape, dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) pickups.
Riddara aims to capitalize on the popularity of pickup trucks in Thailand, where they account for over 40% of the vehicle market, by promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The lineup emphasizes utility for both work and leisure, highlighting innovations such as the pickup’s capability to serve as an electrical power source on-site.
The Riddara RD6 lineup includes 2WD (Scion) and 4WD (Horizon) versions, built on Geely’s Multiplex Attached Platform (MAP) derived from the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks, Riddara features a monocoque construction, potentially affecting off-road performance compared to competitors like the BYD Shark and JAC T9.
“With battery capacities ranging from 63 kWh to 86 kWh, and potential support for up to 140 kWh, the Riddara offers versatility in range and performance,” a spokesperson noted. “The 4WD variant boasts a towing capacity of 3,000 kg and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.”
Geely plans an initial launch in Thailand, followed by expansion into other Southeast Asian markets and Australia, with competitive pricing ranging approximately from 20,870 USD to 30,500 USD in China.