Geely is advancing from all angles

There’s a revolution that’s currently rolling though our very streets and highways at this very moment. As if a master switch has been abruptly flipped, Chinese automotive brands seem to be operating on a higher voltage, and very boldly gunning for a significant share of the Philippine automotive market, with no perceptible weak spot or any lack in armament so to speak. Save for a shrinking number of skeptics, nearly every Juan behind the wheel is taking serious notice.

The brand poised to take the helm is Geely, of whom Sojitz Auto Philippines is the exclusive distributor in the country. Fresh from a “credentials presentation” coverage we did in Hangzhou, China hosted by them, we were thoroughly impressed by the breadth of the company’s advancements in automotive manufacturing. One of the largest of China’s carmakers, Geely Auto has implemented in every aspect the latest Global Industry 4.0 standards via their new facilities that produce CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) based cars. These standards’ core is latched onto the unprecedented use of computers and automation that take full advantage of cutting edge technology. It allows them to efficiently produce a wide range of unique models that stem from a relatively simple platform. From it, their various vehicle architectures like BMA (B-segment Modular Architecture) and their pure electric PMA are also produced.

Geely’s CMA was developed in close collaboration with Volvo (which they acquired about a decade ago), by over 2,000 top automotive engineers in Geely’s China Euro Vehicle technology Center in Gothenburg. But more than a universal platform for their products, their modular architecture system covers the whole product development process, to manufacturing, to a highly elevated level of technology utilization, tooling, and distribution, and more. In a capsule, Geely’s strategy in developing and producing automobiles with class-leading features is all about revolutionizing the manufacturing process.

Inaugurated barely four months ago is Geely’s first CMA plant in Hangzhou Bay, right next to Geely’s incredibly huge R&D Campus with an 8,000 people capacity. The plant is the most advanced we’ve seen so far, fully automated right up to 95%. Multiple massive robotic arms move swiftly with surgical precision in sorting, assembly and welding, and checking done by robots as well, down to micron accuracy. Human participation is there but decidedly minimal, and even virtual.

High tech fruit lands here

The first product from this Global 4.0 standard that has reached our shores is the Geely Coolray, and its abundance of advanced features that translate to performance, enabled it to outpace all those competing in its class (0-100 Km/h in under 8 seconds). Not bad for a sub-compact Crossover equipped with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder Turbocharged gasoline engine, rated at 177Hp with 255Nm of Torque. So, bundle that small engine with abundant power, which yields an impressive 15Kms/liter claimed average mileage- what else could go right? How about a 7-speed dual clutch (wet type) Automatic transmission, a lightweight and highly rigid body shell and chassis generously infused with Volvo DNA? Well, those were even complemented by an advanced multi-camera aided auto-parking system, and a plethora of active safety and tech-soaked convenience features, capped off by a well-executed design aesthetic inside-out. Oh, and the cherry on the cake is its very compelling sticker price.

And so, the local automotive landscape in the coming months will make for a very interesting arena where competition will only intensify, especially with this highly driven brand that’s pulling no stops and attacking from every conceivable angle.