A Close Look at the Geely Factory in Changxing, China

KatadataOTO – The Geely factory in Changxing, China stands on a 120-hectare plot of land. KatadataOTO and several journalists from Indonesia had the opportunity to see it firsthand.

The automotive manufacturer, which relies heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) technology, can assemble cars quickly. It is said that one car rolls out of the factory in less than 60 seconds.

Electrified vehicles made with the help of AI are said to be able to improve quality and safety levels in driving.

At the front of the factory, a lineup of their products can be seen. Entering with an EV (electric vehicle) golf cart, we explored the inner workings of the factory section by section.

Photo : Special

The use of robotic technology dominates the car assembly process. Thus, it is expected to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Although there are still some people employed to ensure product quality. There is also an AI-based smart ecosystem.

This innovation allows human workers to monitor the work of each robot. Thus, it can eliminate the possibility of errors.

Because at the front of the factory, there is a screen displaying a real-time virtual simulation. Each vehicle unit is tracked from the beginning until it becomes a car ready for the market.

This Geely factory is also the birthplace of the GEA (Global Intelligent Electric Architecture) platform. One of the EV models that has adopted the GEA platform is the Geely EX5.

The electric SUV proved to be reliable when maneuvering. The vehicle does not sway, even though the suspension damping is considered soft for an SUV.

Not only did we see the car manufacturing process from stamping, welding, to painting. The group was also invited to see the interior manufacturing process.

In that facility, we were shown the assembly process of the Geely Emgrand model. Unfortunately in Indonesia, the aforementioned vehicle segment has received less public interest.

Photo : Special

It's interesting because the Geely factory facilities in China are not just one. But dozens, spread across various regions and supported by hundreds of robots.

“This factory specifically produces models like the Geely Emgrand and Smart vehicles. The Geely X5 that is already in Indonesia comes from another factory,” said Yusuf Anshori, Brand Director of Geely Auto Indonesia, in China some time ago.

For your information, Geely Auto has 22 factory facilities in China. Meanwhile, the Changxing facility has a production capacity of 400,000 per month.