China’s Auto Giant Geely Drives into Vietnam with Stylish SUVs and an Electric Challenger

Vietnam Insider Exclusive – Get ready, Vietnam! Another major global automaker has officially thrown its hat into the ring, promising a fresh wave of competition and exciting options for drivers across the country.

China’s powerhouse, Geely Auto, made a grand entrance into the Vietnamese market on March 21st, unveiling its brand, a lineup of sleek new vehicles, and a robust plan to establish a nationwide presence.

For foreign residents and keen observers of Vietnam’s burgeoning automotive scene, Geely’s arrival is a significant development, signaling the increasing attractiveness of the Vietnamese consumer market and the growing confidence of international players.

The star of the show was undoubtedly the Geely Coolray, a stylish and sporty SUV clearly aimed at Vietnam’s dynamic and youthful demographic. With three competitively priced versions – the Standard (538 million VND, approx. $21,000 USD), Premium (578 million VND), and Flagship (628 million VND) – the Coolray promises a compelling blend of performance and value.

Under the hood, all Coolray models boast a punchy 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 177 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. Paired with a smooth 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this translates to an impressive 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.9 seconds – enough to inject some excitement into your daily commute. Adding to the peace of mind for new owners, Geely is offering a generous warranty of up to five years or 150,000 kilometers.

However, Geely isn’t just about traditional combustion engines. The launch event also showcased the brand’s commitment to a greener future with the introduction of the all-electric Geely EX5. This electric SUV packs a serious punch with a 218-horsepower electric motor and a hefty 320 Nm of torque. Its 60.2 kWh battery offers a substantial range of up to 430 kilometers on a single charge, making it a viable option for both city driving and longer journeys. The EX5 is no slouch either, hitting 0-100 km/h in a brisk 6.9 seconds. For busy urbanites, the fast-charging technology is a major plus, allowing a 30-80% charge in a mere 20 minutes.

For those seeking a more premium and spacious ride, Geely unveiled the flagship Monjaro SUV. This model clearly targets business executives and families looking for upscale features and a commanding presence. Its luxurious design is highlighted by a prominent grille and a refined interior, complete with an immersive IMAX screen and a panoramic sunroof. Power comes from a robust 238-horsepower engine producing 350 Nm of torque, coupled with a confident full-time all-wheel-drive system. The Monjaro is also loaded with advanced driving assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic parking, and a comprehensive 540-degree camera system, enhancing both safety and convenience.

To ensure a seamless ownership experience for Vietnamese customers, Geely announced the immediate establishment of a nationwide distribution network comprising 15 dealerships and 15 experience centers. This is just the beginning, as the company has ambitious plans to expand its footprint to 50 dealerships across Vietnam by 2025.

Geely’s arrival is a significant development, signaling the increasing attractiveness of the Vietnamese consumer market

This direct market entry follows Geely’s earlier strategic partnership with Tasco Auto, which involves the construction of a significant $168 million vehicle assembly plant in Thai Binh province. The first locally assembled Geely models are expected to roll off the production line in 2026, further solidifying the brand’s long-term commitment to Vietnam.

Beyond just selling cars, Geely is aiming to provide a comprehensive ownership ecosystem. Customers can look forward to a range of services, including maintenance, flexible financing options, insurance solutions, seamless toll collection integration, and even support for used car transactions. This holistic approach underscores Geely’s ambition to not just enter the market, but to become a trusted and valued automotive partner for Vietnamese consumers.

What does this mean for Vietnam?

Geely’s arrival injects fresh competition into Vietnam’s dynamic automotive market, offering foreign residents and locals alike more choices in terms of design, technology, and price points. The brand’s focus on both internal combustion engines and electric vehicles aligns with the growing global trend towards sustainable mobility and caters to a wider range of consumer preferences.

The establishment of a local assembly plant further signifies Geely’s long-term investment in Vietnam, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. The comprehensive service offerings also promise a more convenient and customer-centric ownership experience.

For the readers of Vietnam Insider, Geely’s entry is another compelling indicator of Vietnam’s growing economic dynamism and its increasing attractiveness as a consumer market. Keep an eye on this space as Geely and other global players continue to shape the future of Vietnam’s automotive landscape.

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Source: Vietnam Insider