Geely’s local boss remains coy about the Chinese brand’s mid-term plans in Australia, giving no indication as to whether we might see the Radar or Riddara RD6 ute Down Under anytime soon.
Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the new Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, CEO for Geely Auto Australia Lei Li said “it is not our strategy at this moment”.
“We are trying to bring the best value products to market. We understand Australians like utes and big cars,” Mr Li said. “[The RD6 is] definitely under investigation and discussion internally, we just need to see how to make it happen.”
The RD6 is underpinned by a car-like monocoque platform with four-wheel independent suspension rather than a ladder frame with a live rear axle like Australia’s top-selling utes.
Nevertheless, it’s similar in size to the current Toyota HiLux, measuring 5260mm long, 1900mm wide and 1865mm tall, on a 3120mm wheelbase, making it similar in size
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The Radar RD6 – also known as the Riddara RD6 in export markets – was first revealed in July 2022 in EV guise, claimed to be the first of a “full portfolio” of “electric lifestyle” vehicles to come from the Radar Auto brand.
Based on the same Sustainable Experience Architecture which underpins the Zeekr 001 and Smart #1, the RD6 EV launched with single- and dual-motor powertrains, with 63kWh and 86kWh battery packs offered.
All Riddara RD6 variants have a claimed towing capacity of 2500kg and maximum payload between 755kg and 775kg, depending on the variant. The tub on the RD6 measures in at 1525mm long, 1450mm wide, and 540mm tall – slightly smaller than the tubs of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.
Earlier this year at the 2025 Shanghai motor show, Radar revealed a plug-in hybrid version of the RD6 which offers a claimed 1000km+ of combined driving range, powered by a turbocharged version of Geely’s EM-i ‘Super Hybrid’ system which also underpins the new Starray EM-i SUV.
In early 2024, Geely confirmed its Radar offshoot for launch in Australia and New Zealand.
“Radar Auto will accelerate its expansion into overseas markets, continuously expanding to markets in Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, Thailand, Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America,” the company said in a statement.
Last November, the vice-president of Geely Auto, Michael Song, confirmed a dual-cab ute from the automaker would be sold in Australia, without naming the RD6 or providing any specific release timing.
Both Radar and Riddara are brands under the giant Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, Smart, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Lotus and Geely Auto.
Light commercial vehicles notched up over 270,000 registrations in Australia last year, accounting for more than 22 per cent of the total new-vehicle market, the vast majority of which were utes.
In Thailand, the Riddara RD6 is offered in single-motor rear-wheel drive electric form with two different battery packs, while an all-wheel drive version of the Radar RD6 called the Horizon is sold in China.
The single electric motor in the Riddara RD6 produces 200kW of power and 384Nm of torque. It’s fed by either a 63kWh battery pack that offers a CLTC claimed range of 385km, or an 86kWh battery pack with a CLTC range of 517km.
China’s RD6 Horizon employs dual electric motors producing a combined 315kW and 594Nm, powered by 73kWh or 86kWh battery packs delivering a respective 460km and 520km (CLTC).
Let us know in the comments if you’d like to see the Radar/Riddara RD6 make it to Australia!
MORE: 2025 Riddara RD6 review
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