Major Chinese manufacturer Geely has confirmed that it is coming back to South Africa in 2025.
The automotive giant recently opened its doors in Australia and New Zealand, and took the opportunity to announce its plans to enter markets including, Brazil, the UK, and South Africa this year, as reported by Bloomberg.
Geely’s return to local soil has been expected for quite some time.
In 2024, TopAuto discovered several trademark applications by parent company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGHG) at South Africa’s Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) filed between January and April of that year.
The first was for the “Geely” brand name and the second for the “Geely E5”, a battery-electric crossover that is being built specifically for export from China to global markets, including right-hand-drive countries.
In June 2024, it applied to register the “Geely EX5”, and in October, it registered the “Riddara” brand name which exclusively focuses on alternative energy bakkies.
In January 2025, the automaker furthermore submitted the “Geely EX2” and “Geely EX3” to the CIPC to protect their naming rights in the country.
Additionally, in recent years, South Africa re-welcomed several nameplates that left its shores years ago but once again saw potential in the local market, including Chery, MG, and Proton.
Like Geely, these brands were all active in South Africa between the 2000s and 2010s but lacklustre demand saw them exit the country after only a handful of summers.
However, as Chinese vehicles vastly improved in quality over the years whilst remaining competitively priced versus their European rivals, those who came back to South Africa such as Chery gained massive success.
ZGHG may therefore be looking to cash in on this trend in South Africa by bringing back its headlining brand for one last stab at the local market.
What to expect
The aforementioned EX5, also called the E5 in some markets, is the only vehicle Geely sells in Australia thus far, suggesting that it’s likely to be the first model headed for our roads.
The all-electric SUV is equipped with one electric motor between the front wheels capable of generating 160kW and 320Nm, which is enough grunt to propel it to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
Regardless of the chosen specification, the EX5 in the Land Down Under features a 60.22kWh battery that ensures a driving range of up to 430km measured on the WLTP standard.
It boasts an 11kW AC on-board charger for at-home top-ups, while supporting a maximum 100kW DC charging capability that sees a 30-80% charge achieved in 20 minutes.
Another standout ability is a four-speed intelligent energy recovery system that adjusts engine braking force to the situation at hand based on the distance between vehicles, traffic, and slope information, resulting in a smoother driving experience.
Equipment highlights include a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable and heated front seats, a surround-view monitor, intelligent cruise control, lane-keep assist, emergency manouevre assist, blind-spot detection, and door-open warning.
At 4,615mm long, 1,901mm wide, and 1,670mm tall, the Geely’s proportions are similar to other popular Chinese SUVs like the Haval H6.
The registration of the Riddara name in South Africa indicates that Geely’s bakkie range is coming our way, too.
Riddara currently has one product in its portfolio branded the RD6, which is available in 4×2 and 4×4 flavours.
The 4×2 gets an e-motor on the rear axle with 200kW and 384Nm at its disposal, and either a 63kWh battery affording 385km of range, or a 86kWh unit that elevates driving potential to 517km.
It’s also capable of eclipsing 100km/h in a rather quick 7.3 seconds.
Meanwhile, the 4×4 Riddara is shipped with two electric motors good for a combined 315kW and 595Nm output which cuts the 100km/h acceleration time to just 4.5 seconds.
Depending on the trim, the 4×4 RD6 is equipped with a 73kWh battery packing 424km of range or an 86kWh cell with 455km on tap.
Maximum towing capacity for the Riddara is rated at 3,000kg and it can carry up to 1,030kg of cargo.
The 4×4 also offers a maximum 815mm water-wading capability; a climbing capability of 44 degrees; and Sand, Mud, Off-road, Wading, Economy, Comfort, and Sport drive settings.
The RD6 comes in at 5,260mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,865mm tall with a ground clearance of 221mm, which is on par with segment favourites like the Toyota Hilux.
Like its SUV siblings, the double cab is fitted with various nice-to-haves such as Matrix LED lighting, 540-degree panoramic imaging, large screens for the driver and infotainment functions, leather upholstery, and a suite of 14 advanced assistance systems.
As the Geely EX2 and EX3 were also recently filed for trademark, it only seems logical that the company intends to introduce these vehicles to our roads as well.
The EX3, also called the Geometry EX3 in certain countries, is one of the smallest and most affordable crossovers Geely produces.
As far as its powertrain is concerned, the EX3 harnesses drive from a 70kW/180Nm e-motor hooked up to a 37.23kWh battery.
The Chinese automaker reckons that the crossover can do 322km on a single refill, with a 0-80% charge achieved in 30 minutes.
The EX3 is rather small in most aspects, measuring 4,005mm from nose to tail, 1,760mm from left to right, and 1,575mm from roof to floor, with a 2,480mm wheelbase.
These dimensions put it in the company of popular entries in the domestic market such as the Hyundai Exter, Mahindra XUV 3X0, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger.
It should be mentioned, however, that the above specs are only relevant to the Geometry EX3 introduced all the way back in 2021.
It’s thus possible that the models in the pipeline for South Africa could be thoroughly updated or even an entirely new generation.
Finally, there’s the Geely EX2.
The vehicle hasn’t been unveiled to the public yet, so it remains unclear which role it will play.
Judging by its name, however, it’s expected that the EX2 will be the entry-level model in the Geely family upon its debut.
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