GEELY EYES PICKUP PRODUCTION IN THAILAND, MALAYSIA FOR RD6 EV
Geely is exploring the possibility of producing pickup trucks in Thailand, with Malaysia also being considered as a potential base for its RD6 electric pickup — signalling the Chinese automaker’s growing interest in Southeast Asian manufacturing and electric vehicle expansion.
At an industry event, a senior Geely executive confirmed that the company is in preliminary discussions to establish pickup production capacity in Thailand, which is widely recognised as a hub for commercial vehicle manufacturing in the region. Thailand’s robust automotive ecosystem and experience in supporting pickup truck production — particularly for global brands — makes it an attractive destination for regional assembly and export operations.
The proposed initiative would involve manufacturing traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) pickups to meet strong local and export demand. Geely aims to tap into Thailand’s deep supplier base, competitive costs and established logistics infrastructure as part of its strategic footprint expansion.
In addition to exploring Thailand as a production base for conventional pickups, Geely is also evaluating Malaysia as a potential site for the assembly or local production of the RD6 EV — an electric pickup built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform. The RD6 has been gaining attention for its combination of utility, range and connectivity — features designed to appeal to commercial and lifestyle buyers alike.
Malaysia’s proactive stance on EV incentives, improving charging infrastructure, and growing industrial ecosystem are among the factors being considered as Geely assesses the feasibility of setting up RD6 assembly. The Malaysian government’s industrial policies — including tax breaks and investment facilitation measures for EV manufacturing — can play a role in attracting automakers looking to produce EVs locally.
A Geely spokesperson said the company is currently conducting market analysis and feasibility studies in both Thailand and Malaysia. While no final decisions have been made, these moves reflect Geely’s strategy to position itself for long-term growth in Southeast Asia — a region that has seen rising demand for both commercial vehicles and electrified alternatives.
Industry observers note that pickup trucks remain a popular segment in Thailand and neighbouring markets, with strong sales and diverse buyer profiles ranging from fleet users to individual owners. Electrified versions of pickups — like the RD6 — are increasingly viewed as part of the region’s transition toward cleaner transportation and industrial diversification.
If Geely proceeds with the plan, it could deepen regional cooperation, enhance supply chain resilience, and provide jobs in automotive manufacturing hubs in both Thailand and Malaysia. For Malaysia, local assembly of EV pickups could boost the country’s vehicle industry competitiveness and help accelerate the adoption of electrified commercial vehicles.
Geely’s exploration of regional production bases aligns with broader trends of Chinese automakers looking to diversify manufacturing outside China, targeting local demand, tariff preferences, and regional integration.
At the moment, Geely is still in discussions with relevant authorities and potential partners in Thailand and Malaysia, with more concrete announcements expected in the coming months as feasibility assessments conclude.
