Geely’s decision to launch overseas mass production of its Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV in a KD assembly plant in Purwakarta, Indonesia, instead of utilizing Proton’s facilities, raises questions regarding the original 2018 commitment to establish Proton as Geely’s right-hand-drive (RHD) export hub.
Geely announced that production of the Geely Starray EM-i (known as the Galaxy Starship 7 in China) has officially commenced at its Knocked Down (KD) assembly plant in Purwakarta, Indonesia. This milestone, achieved at the end of September 2025, marks the first time the plug-in hybrid SUV has entered overseas mass production.
The Starray EM-i is slated for a global rollout to nearly 20 countries by the end of the year, following its initial debut in Australia. The launch will cover regions including Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Africa, targeting markets such as Thailand, South Africa, Mexico, and Italy. The Purwakarta plant will also begin production of other Geely models, including the Geely EX5 SUV and the Geome Xingyuan (the soon the be Proton e.Mas 5) compact hatchback, in the coming months.
Starray EM-i Technical Details
The SUV, which was first launched in China in December 2024 with official prices starting at 109,800 yuan (RM65,000), is built on Geely’s GEA platform. Its dimensions measure 4,740 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,685 mm in height, with a 2,755 mm wheelbase.
Powering the model is Geely’s Thor EM-i hybrid system, which pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor. The engine delivers a maximum output of 82 kW and achieves a thermal efficiency of 46.5%. The electric motor produces up to 160 kW and 262 Nm. This system enables the vehicle to achieve 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and deliver fuel consumption of 3.75 L/100 km (CLTC cycle). With a full battery and fuel tank, the total range extends to 1,420 km.
The Question of Proton’s Role
When Geely acquired a substantial stake in Proton in 2017, the intention was to transform Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant into a research and development and production hub for right-hand-drive models within the Geely Group, serving both the domestic and export markets. Since that time, Proton has been putting together a new dedicated EV production line at Tanjung Malim as part of its Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) initiative.
Given that the Starray EM-i is a plug-in hybrid SUV aimed at multiple RHD markets across the Asia-Pacific and Africa, why was the Purwakarta plant in Indonesia chosen as the mass production and export base over Proton’s newly upgraded facilities in Tanjung Malim?
Perhaps it was a matter of timing – Proton’s EV plant has yet to commence operations and Geely needs to move quickly with more basic KD operations wherever possible. There also aren’t any concrete plans to promote hybrids over EVs in Malaysia, so it’s probably low on the priority list.
