11 January 2016, Jedda, Saudi Arabia. Geely Auto today launched its flagship Geely GC9 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is the first market outside of the Chinese domestic market to receive the GC9, which shows the importance that Geely has attached to the Saudi Arabian market and also the wider Gulf region.
For all international markets the Geely GC9 will become known as the Geely Emgrand GT, signifying the vehicles positioning as a highway Grand Tourer. Geely Auto chose to name the vehicle Emgrand GT to build upon the success of the Emgrand nameplate globally and in China with nearly 800,000 Emgrand buyers to date globally.
Geely Auto will transition towards using the new solidified single blue Geely Auto logo from 2016 onwards in all international markets in line with its 2014 announcement at the Beijing Auto Show to utilize a single brand strategy domestically and internationally.
The Emgrand GT was designed by veteran car designer Peter Horbury whom previously worked with Ford Motor and oversaw design at various luxury automotive brands including Volvo before moving to Geely as design vice president. Under Mr.Horbury’s watch Geely Auto has established four global design centers in Shanghai, Barcelona, Los Angeles and Gothenburg, Sweden where the next generation of Geely vehicles are being designed.
Peter Horbury explained the Emgrand GT’s language as being global yet local: “The Emgrand GT’s lower frame spears out under the headlamps and the upperline together with the headlamps form a flowing bird’s wing effect, and the total frame surrounding these rings radiating from the badge like the rippleson a pond. All of these lines and features are designed to look as if they were not drawn with a marker but with a calligraphy brush. This is one of the details with which we have tried to introduce a flavor of China into our design. My ambition is to create global design language but with a hint of where we come from.”
The Emgrand GT was designed from the outset to be a fastback which gives it a considerable stance, even when it is not moving the Emgrand GT look as if it is already at speed, with strong muscular sides and a sculpted rear the Emgrand GT strikes an imposing figure on public roads and stands out against global competitors.
Whilst the Emgrand GT’s exterior is dramatic and powerful, the interior gives way to a relaxed, calm, luxurious cabin environment. The lines on the instrument and doors follow the sweeping lines of ancient Chinese bridges, with traditional Chinese architecture also featured on the speaker covers which again subtly hints towards Geely’s Chinese roots.
Size and stance notwithstanding, the Emgrand GT is packed with technology including cruise control functions, parking cameras,parking radar and Geely’s multimedia system that allows for drivers and passengers to access content such as radio, videos or use the system to receive and make phone calls safely. In addition, the Emgrand GT has eight speakers intotal around the vehicle, making for a cinematic listening experience.
Power for the Emgrand GT will come from a tried and tested 2.4L naturally aspirated engine and also Geely’s flagship 3.5L V6 both of which are paired to a six speed automatic gearbox to provide a smooth driving experience in all conditions.
From 2016 onwards Geely will move to introduce its latest products into global marketsat a faster rate than previously, Geely Auto CEO Mr. An Conghui commented: “Geely Auto has a strong product range in development, we aim to get these products into global markets faster than ever, accelerating out localization plans to make sure that international Geely buyers are just as happy as our home market Geely buyers.”