Geely reveals Radar RD6 dual-cab ute, first model from new global EV brand
The Chinese auto giant Geely has taken the covers off the first model from its new electric adventure brand, the Radar RD6 ute.
As the pictures show, the dual-cab ute is all about adventure rather than being a worksite workhorse!
On-sale in China in the fourth quarter of 2022, the RD6 will lead an expansion into international markets for the Radar brand,, although which ones have yet to be declared.
It joins a cavalcade of electric utes launching onto international markets including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Silverado and Rivian Cybertruck. However, no electric utes have made it to Australia yet despite growing interest.
READ MORE: EV ute overload: The electric pickup trucks coming soon
Radar Auto is a fully fledged subsidiary of Geely with its own R&D and production facilities, just like better known brands like Volvo, Polestar, Lotus and Australia-bound Lynk & Co.
Teased last week, the RD6 is the first model from a brand that will also produce a range of utes, SUVs and – befitting its adventure-based ethos – all-terrain vehicles.
“Radar Auto will be purpose driven from the outset and that purpose is to allow users to explore the world in a more sustainable way,” said Dr. Lin Shi Quan, the CEO of Radar Auto.
Based on Geely Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) for electric vehicles, the RD6 will be offered with both single and dual motor drivetrains. No performance or range details have been announced so far.
Radar says all its future EVs will be based on SEA.
The RD6 and the Radar brand design has been developed under the direction of automotive legend Peter Horbury, who has contributed to the brand’s creation from his studio in the UK.
The 72-year-old has had stints at Chrysler, Ford and Volvo before joining Geely Group in 2010 when the Swedish company was taken over by the Chinese company.
Design highlights of the RD6 include a ‘froot’ front boot allowed by EV packaging and a load box that includes external charging facilities.
Radar is also introducing a lifestyle sub-brand, Radar Weekends, that focuses on the outdoors lifestyles and will cooperate with different partners to create a fun, diverse outdoors ecosystem.
Radar Weekends will work with camping equipment brand, NatureHike to develop a variety of outdoor camping accessories for the brand’s vehicles.
In addition, Radar has also partnered with National Geographic China for a program to Protect Nature’s Wonders which promotes the concept of leaving no trace behind when adventuring in the great outdoors.
