Distributor Jameel Motors and van manufacturer Farizon Auto, the commercial vehicle division of Chinese vehicle manufacturer Geely, have struck a deal to sell the Farizon SV large electric van in the UK.
UK sales start in the first half of 2025 in what is part of an international launch, which will see Farizon’s vehicles distributed in new and select markets, with a combined population of 450 million approximately.
The UK business is headed up by Andy Carroll. Dealers will be familiar with Carroll as the former managing director of Glass’s in the UK. He also served stints as managing director of Chevrolet and European sales director of GM.
In the past he was a non-executive director of Autoquake, the online supermarket, which preceded Cazoo by a decade.
Jameel Motors is beginning discussions with dealers and plans to have between five and 10 centres in the UK and a wholly owned operation in London
The type of dealers sought are those who come with van expertise. Size is not an issue, according to Carroll.
“We are starting conversations with dealer now. We want the right people with vans in their blood,” he said.
Carroll declined to give sales forecasts in the first two years on the market but said the group had ambitious plans. In China it is said to have 20% market share the van market.
“Bringing competitive, innovative zero-emission commercial vehicles to the UK will offer a compelling option to businesses and fleets embracing the growing movement to transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles,” said Carroll.
Farizon has deep pockets as the commercial vehicle division of Geely Holding Group, which owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus.
Jameel said the van was designed for Europe. From launch, three vehicle lengths and three heights will be offered in the UK, along with two battery sizes: 67 kWh and 83 kWh. A 106-kWh battery option will follow. Full UK specification and pricing to come.