Geely-owned Farizon brand to break into European electric van market
Chinese automotive giant Geely is entering the UK commercial vehicle sector via its dedicated commercial vehicle brand, Farizon.
Established in 2016, Farizon already has a zero-emission product portfolio spanning trucks, LCVs and buses in its domestic market.
Parent group Geely, which also owns Volvo Cars, Polestar and Lotus, is spearheading Farizon’s UK launch with the arrival of a large ‘born electric’ panel van, due to start sales during the first half of 2025 and deliver up to 225 miles (c.362km) of range.
Dubbed the Farizon SV (Super Van), the vehicle has been built specifically for Europe and will compete in the 3,500kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) van sector. It’s said to meet or exceed every European standard, including for durability, safety and sustainability.
Farizon is being introduced to the UK by official distributor Jameel Motors, which will also debut the brand in several other countries.
Saudi-based Jameel Motors has imported Toyota vehicles to Saudi Arabia for around 70 years and has extensive expertise in operating both as an importer and dealer. The UK represents a new market entry for both Jameel Motors and Farizon.
The UK operation will be headed up by Andy Carroll, who has been appointed country manager of Jameel Motors Farizon Auto (see our exclusive interview with him here).
“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. “The Farizon SV was developed for the van users and fleets of today and tomorrow, and several world-first advanced technologies means it offers more cargo space, greater range and a more convenient and comfortable driver experience.”
Developed from a clean sheet using the full resources of Farizon R&D, the SV van has been designed specifically to meet the needs of European fleets and incorporates several advanced technologies and cited LCV market world-first innovations.
The SV is built on a bespoke ‘born electric’ modular platform, designed to offer benefits in cargo space, range, handling and safety. Highlights include cell-to-pack technology said to increase battery capacity by 10%, reduces weight by 4% and improves body rigidity by 20%.
The SV also introduces a dual-redundancy drive-by-wire platform, said to mark a first in the global van market, reducing stopping distance by 10%, increasing range by 5% and steering response by 300%. Crucially, it also helps increase load capacity and results in an extra-low loading height.
The SV also teams up high-strength steel and hybrid aluminium-steel materials in the chassis and body with a drive-by-wire platform that helps reduce weight by 8%, benefiting payload, as well as in energy conservation, performance, and operational efficiency.
From launch, three vehicle lengths and three heights will be offered in the UK, along with two battery sizes: 67kWh and 83kWh. A 106kWh battery option will follow.
The interior features latest technologies for comfort, convenience and ease of use, while physical buttons are retained for key functions to minimise driver distraction.
Full UK specification and pricing will be announced in the coming weeks, along with a date for start of sales.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
