Geely Holding Group, a leading Chinese automotive company known for its wide portfolio of car brands, has officially introduced RIDDARA, a new brand offering 100% electric pickup trucks, to the UAE market. Partnering with AGMC, Geely is hoping to tap into drivers’ love for large vehicles and the growing popularity of EVs.
RIDDARA’s electric pickups bring powerful performance typically associated with traditional trucks but without the environmental impact. The first vehicle to be launched in the market will be the RIDDARA RD6. It’s a large, all-purpose pickup truck. It’s also a bit of a beast in terms of performance: its 4×4 motor gives total motor power of 315 kw delivering 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 4.5s. So make sure that anything in the rear ‘bed’ is strapped down well!
Xia Mo, General Manager of RIDDARA Middle East, said: “We are very much looking forward to the launch of the RIDDARA brand in the UAE market. As one of our most important partners in the Middle East, AGMC’s excellent market network and professional capabilities will empower us to deliver a whole new category to the UAE market: an affordable, value-added and high-performance fully electric pickup that is capable, practical and thrilling to drive. I am confident that RIDDARA will establish its own target audience among passionate EV enthusiasts that may have never considered a pickup truck before.”
The RIDDARA RD6 is designed to be suitable for rugged wilderness adventures. It can wade through rivers, perform a ‘tank turn’ in tight spaces and even power your campsite. Nice to know, even if you just use it to drive to and from work…
Geely Galaxy’ Starship 7 Plug-in Hybrid SUV
Another Geely brand, Geely Galaxy has also revealed the Starship 7, a new plug-in hybrid SUV that blends modern design with cutting-edge hybrid technology. Set to hit the market later this year, the Starship 7 will be powered by Geely’s Thor hybrid system, providing a combination of petrol and electric power for greater efficiency.
This medium-sized SUV stands out with its sleek design and spacious interior, offering both comfort and practicality. Built on Geely’s Global Energy Architecture (GEA) platform, the vehicle measures 4740 mm in length, 1905 mm in width, and 1685 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2755 mm, ensuring ample room for passengers and cargo alike.
Under the hood, the Starship 7 features a 1.5-litre engine paired with an electric motor. Two battery options are available, offering electric driving ranges of 101 km and 150 km. The vehicle’s fuel efficiency is impressive, with fuel consumption ranging between 4.85 and 4.88 litres per 100 km, depending on the variant. Fast-charging comes as standard, allowing for quicker battery top-ups during long trips.
Geely’s Starship 7, photo from Carscoops.com
Geely Galaxy has been on an upward trajectory in recent months, with September sales reaching over 29,000 units—a 122% increase from the same period last year. From January to September, the brand sold over 153,000 vehicles, marking a 250% rise year-on-year. The introduction of the Starship 7 is expected to further bolster Geely Galaxy’s presence in the competitive SUV market.
Geely Holding Group also owns brands such as Geely Auto, Volvo Cars and Lotus, and has a significant stake in Daimler AG. The company focuses on innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, producing a range of vehicles from electric cars to luxury models. Geely has expanded globally with operations in Asia, Europe, and beyond. It is placing more and more emphasis on electric and hybrid vehicles.