Geely surges, sales up by 342% for the first half of 2021

It looks like Geely is doing just fine in the Philippines. The Chinese automaker posted a 342% increase in sales for the first half of 2021. Geely recorded 2,462 units sold during this period, a figure that's good for ninth-best in the local automotive industry

The industry is only beginning to bounce back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Geely is one of the brands poised to thrive in a post-pandemic landscape. According to Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the local distributor of Geely vehicles, the company's best-selling model by far is without a doubt the Coolray, with 1,312 units sold so far this year. Coolray sales went up by 153% compared to the same period last year, with 518 units sold in 2020.

For now, the focus for Geely appears to be growing sales for its other local models, the Azkarra and Okavango. The best-selling Coolray is a subcompact crossover featuring a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, capable of 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque. A 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission is available, sending power to the front wheels. The Coolray boasts modern features, including a 360-degree camera and 10.25-inch Android touchscreen infotainment system.

The Azkarra, meanwhile, is a compact crossover. A mild hybrid, the Azkarra has a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with a 48-volt electric motor. The power plant produces 190 hp and 300 Nm of torque and, depending on the variant, is paired with a 6-speed or 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The Azkarra also features a 360-degree camera as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment system.

The Okavango is Geely's MPV in the Philippines. It's a 7-seater powered by a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine that produces 190 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The engine connects to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. It's also a mild hybrid with a 48-volt electric motor. Some of the Okavango's features include a 360-degree camera and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.