Geely returns to South Africa in 2025 – Coolray launch in 2H 2026, competing instantly in opposition to Proton X50?

In accordance with a report by Automobiles.co.zaGeely Auto will re-enter the South African market after a virtually decade-long hiatus, with an official launch anticipated to happen later this 12 months. The corporate instructed the publication, which beforehand reported on the automaker’s returnthat it has already signed on 35 sellers and plans to have a complete of 40 dealerships within the nation.

A product roadmap shared by Geely Auto with South African media reveals the primary two autos that may lead the model’s return to the market are the totally electrical Geely EX5 – twin to our Proton gold 7 – and a plug-in hybrid model (PHEV) of the SUV recognized globally because the Geely Starray EM-i (or Galaxy Starship 7 in China).

Shifting into the primary half of 2026, the Geome (previously Geometry) E22H will be a part of the native line-up. The E22H is healthier often known as the Geely Star Want (or Xingyuan in China), a compact electrical car (EV) that might be launched in Thailand and has a twin in Malaysia within the type of the Proton gold 5. The Knight Rd6 electrical pick-up truck may even be launched round that point.

Following the EVs are two combustion-engined automobiles within the second half of 2026: the Geely Coolray – twin to our Proton X50 – in addition to a big SUV known as the Geely Monjaro (often known as the Xingyue L in China).

Geely is focusing on to promote 13,000 models in South Africa in 2026, with the quantity set to extend to fifteen,000 models in 2027 and on high 20,000 models in 2028, at which level it expects to have round 80 dealerships.

Proton already has a presence in South Africa (a right-hand drive market) and at present sells the Saga, X50, X70 and X90 there. Based mostly on Geely’s product roadmap, the X50 will compete instantly in opposition to the Coolray that might be launched there subsequent 12 months. The Coolray is at present solely bought in left-hand drive markets – we marvel which plant will make the SUV in RHD; Indonesia’s Ckd Undertaking in Bekasi appears a chance. Proton doesn’t promote the eMas 7 in South Africa, however the EV is exported to international locations like Nepal in addition to Trinidad and Tobago.

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