Farizon SuperVan debuts as NordEast appoints Kevin Richards
NordEast Vehicle Distributors has appointed Kevin Richards as Brand Manager for Farizon, Geely's fully electric commercial vehicle marque, with a focus on supporting New Zealand's commercial fleet transition to electric vehicles.
Richards brings more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, spanning roles with Peugeot, Honda, Fiat Alfa Romeo, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. His appointment comes as NordEast seeks to introduce 5,000 electrified vehicles each year to New Zealand's roads by 2028, a target encompassing both private and commercial sectors.
Electrification ambitions
Dane Fisher, Group General Manager of NordEast, said Richards' appointment aligns with the group's objectives for transport electrification.
Kevin brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep understanding of fleet and trade markets that will be instrumental in accelerating the electrification of New Zealand's commercial transport sector. At NordEast, we're committed to delivering electrified vehicles at price parity with ICE, and the commercial segment is no exception. His strategic insight will support New Zealand businesses in making a confident transition to an electric fleet. We are excited to have him on the team.
As Brand Manager, Richards will oversee the introduction and rollout of Farizon's commercial vehicles in New Zealand, beginning with the SuperVan. The van, which has been designed exclusively as an electric vehicle, is purpose-built for commercial use, offering a range of up to 376 kilometres. Its features include heated and ventilated seating, advanced safety systems, and integrated power inverters for work tools.
Industry focus
Richards described his new role as a rare opportunity within the automotive sector, particularly as he leads the efforts for a brand launch in collaboration with the wider Giltrap Group.
It's rare in your career to have the opportunity to launch an entirely new brand in the automotive space. Doing so with the Giltrap Group, through NordEast, makes it even more exciting. Farizon is purpose-built for the next era of commercial mobility, and it's a privilege to be leading the charge,
Richards said he will prioritise building Farizon brand awareness while educating fleets and trades about the advantages of electric mobility. He identified typical concerns among fleet managers-such as range, charging infrastructure, and practicality-as areas he will address centrally in his activities.
Fleet managers understandably have questions around range, charging, and practicality. Our job is to show them that electric vans can do the job, they operate better, while reducing operating costs and emissions. We want to help businesses make that first confident step into electrification.
SuperVan arrival
Launching the Farizon SuperVan marks a new phase for purpose-built electric commercial vehicles in the country, with the model's design tailored specifically for New Zealand's varied geography and the demands of businesses.
Farizon's EV SuperVan is built to handle New Zealand's geography and commercial demands. It's safe, comfortable, and practical, and it proves that electrified fleets can be both efficient and enjoyable to drive.
Business case for fleets
The Farizon line-up targets a range of sectors, including transport fleet operators, tradespeople, telecommunications, and construction, promoting the potential for reduced energy and maintenance costs compared to internal combustion models.
Transport emissions are the fastest-growing contributor to New Zealand's total emissions. Businesses that switch their fleets to electric vehicles can significantly reduce carbon emissions while also cutting running costs, something Farizon is focused on unlocking for the nation's commercial sector.
Richards described his appointment as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" and likened NordEast's operations to a startup within the wider Giltrap Group environment.
Launching a brand like Farizon in New Zealand is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We're effectively operating like a startup within the Giltrap Group - agile, passionate, and ready to redefine what commercial mobility looks like for the next decade.
