New Zealand debut for Zeekr and Farizon, additions to Giltrap NordEast's prominent automotive conglomerate by Geely brands

New Zealand Welcomes Six Geely Brands Under NordEast Distribution

In a significant move, the Giltrap Group, New Zealand's largest independent new-vehicle importer, has announced the formation of a new company called NordEast. This company will be responsible for distributing six brands from the Geely Group, marking a new era for the automotive industry in New Zealand.

One of the brands that NordEast will be introducing is Zeekr, Geely's premium electric vehicle (EV) division. Zeekr, which started selling vehicles globally in 2021, is a cornerstone of the group and was signed into the deal just three days before a media event for the new company on August 21.

The Zeekr range includes the X, built on a shared platform with the Volvo EX30, available in RWD for $59,900 and AWD for $69,900. The hero of the Zeekr range is the 7X, a high-performance medium-SUV available in RWD and AWD, with up to 475kW and 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Pricing for the 7X won't be confirmed until next month, but it's expected to be in the premium EV market between $60-100k.

Another brand that NordEast will be introducing is Farizon, Geely's EV-commercial brand. Farizon will be launched in New Zealand with a van offering 170kW front-drive, a choice of batteries from 67-83kWh, and all models having a range in excess of 300km (WLTP). Pricing starts at $74,990.

The Starray EM-i, a plug-in "super hybrid" SUV with a petrol engine and 18.4kWh battery, offering an EV range of 83km (WLTP), is also part of the Geely lineup and is open for pre-order. The first customer cars are expected to arrive at the end of October, and pricing is expected to be below $50k.

NordEast aims to launch Zeekr and Farizon, future-proof all six brands, and sell a combined total of 5000 cars annually by 2028. The Geely SUV lineup, with the EX5 and the newly launched Starray EM-i, is expected to contribute significantly to this goal.

The move was primarily centered around Volvo, as it is considered a trusted premium brand focused on SUVs. Volvo currently sells the XC40 (mild hybrid), XC60 (mild and plug-in hybrid), XC90 (mild and plug-in), and a range of pure-electrics: EX30, EX40, and EX90.

NordEast will have 14 locations in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch, with 29 showrooms nationwide, including five Zeekr showrooms. Michael Giltrap, executive director of Giltrap Group Holdings, previously co-owned Volvo distributor Scandinavian Motors. The buyout of that was successfully completed earlier this year.

However, the search results do not contain any information about the founding date of the company NordEast in New Zealand or the marketing dates for the first automobiles of the brands Zeekr and Farizon there.

In addition to the above, Geely is introducing the Riddara RD6 Pro, a fully electric ute, which departs from traditional one-tonne utes like Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux by using a Geely EV passenger-car platform with multi-link independent rear suspension. The Riddara RD6 Pro offers a payload of 1030kg, can tow three tonnes, and can wade through 815mm of water. It delivers 315kW/595Nm, can do 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, and has a range of up to 360km (WLTP). Pricing starts at $69,990.

Lastly, the luxury people mover in the Zeekr range is the 009, offering up to 450kW and a maximum 582km range from its 116kWh battery, available in six or seven-seat versions for $149,900-$154,900.

This partnership between the Giltrap Group and Geely Group promises to bring a fresh wave of innovation and choice to the New Zealand automotive market. Stay tuned for more updates on the launch of these exciting new brands.

New Zealand debut for Zeekr and Farizon, additions to Giltrap NordEast's prominent automotive conglomerate by Geely brands