For the first time anywhere in the world, six Geely Group brands have united under one distributor, spanning the heritage and innovation of Volvo to the luxury of Zeekr, alongside Geely, Farizon, Polestar, and Lotus, following the launch of NordEast Vehicle Distributors.
A new division of Giltrap Group, NordEast, represents six Geely Group brands, including the cutting-edge electric performance brand Zeekr; commercial vehicle specialist Farizon; and value focused Geely, has been launched in New Zealand.
NordEast hits the ground running with a comprehensive network of dealerships. A total of 29 showrooms are open nationwide across 14 locations in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch, including five Zeekr dealerships.
The new distributor’s combined range spans hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full battery electric vehicles across mainstream and premium EV markets, as well as commercial vans designed for fleet decarbonisation. In all, its product portfolio will cover 85 percent of New Zealand’s electrified vehicle market.
NordEast joins European Motor Distributors (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Porsche, Cupra, Lamborghini, Bentley and Aston Martin) and Motorcorp Distributors (Jaguar Land Rover) as the third distribution pillar within Giltrap Group.
“We are delighted to partner with Geely Group for the range and quality their brands will deliver to Kiwi drivers,” says Giltrap Group Executive Director, Michael Giltrap. “We believe this is a once-in-a-generation moment for New Zealand motoring. We have added Farizon and Zeekr to the portfolio and officially launched Geely. With NordEast, we’re building on decades of distribution heritage to set a new benchmark for the adoption of electrification.”
Dane Fisher, Group General Manager, NordEast Vehicle Distributors, says he’s looking forward to showing New Zealanders the true merits of new energy vehicles.
“We are redefining what Kiwis expect from electrification. We are offering low emission vehicles at price parity of internal combustion engine vehicles, making electrified vehicles more affordable for New Zealand consumers and businesses, ensuring that electrification and the latest technology is accessible for everyone.”
NordEast’s market research has reaffirmed the trends of the automotive industry both globally and in New Zealand, showing that in New Zealand, after a dip following the end of government rebates, electric uptake is rebounding strongly. Sales of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and super hybrid vehicles are +93 percent over the total market in 2025.
“SUVs and utes continue to dominate the New Zealand market with New Zealand consumers favouring SUVs and pick-up trucks. Together they hold 74 percent of the total market,” continues Fisher.
“Trends also strongly indicate that consumer interest and demand in electric vehicles is returning. NordEast provides a complete suite of innovative, electrified products from affordable and high volume to high performance, including SUVs, vans and even a fully electric ute, meeting the changing trends and enduring preferences of New Zealanders.”
Geely Group is China’s third largest automotive group and the fastest growing, with cumulative sales in the first six months of 2025 reaching 1.93 million. Fisher says this represents a year-on-year increase of 30 percent, with electrified vehicles accounting for one million sales and representing 52 percent of the Group’s total.
China is the global leader in EV adoption and production, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the global NEV market, through providing innovative and affordable EVs at scale.
“Chinese brands have proven that affordable, high-quality EVs are in demand. New Zealand consumers are warming to these brands due to competitive pricing and features. NordEast’s goal is to deliver 5,000 fully electrified vehicles within the next three years, bringing some of the most innovative, electrified vehicles in the world to New Zealand,” says Fisher.
“Geely Group is a manufacturer that wants to take on the world. Working towards price parity with internal combustion engine vehicles is going to be the key ingredient that really gets EV sales going. We’re introducing a premium EV with a five at the start of its recommended retail price – that’s a game changer and so different to what might have been expected four or five years ago.”
Dane Fisher, Group General Manager, Nordeast Vehicle Distributors
New names, new wheels
The arrival of NordEast Vehicle Distributors brings with it exciting new options for New Zealand new vehicle buyers, from a commercial van to an all-electric ute, further models from already-launched Geely, and exciting luxury disruptor, Zeekr. So, what’s on offer?
GEELY STARRAY EM-i
Joining the Geely EX5 already on sale is the next crossover SUV model from the brand, the Starray EM-i.
Utilising Geely’s NordThor EM-i powertrain, this new ‘super’ hybrid combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 160kW electric motor. Total power output checks in at 193kW, with an electric-only range of up to 83km possible (WLTP test figure).
Combined with the petrol engine, the spacious SUV boasts a combined range of up to 943km, making it a surefire winner for long distance family travel.
GEELY RIDDARA RD6 PRO
The Riddara RD6 Pro joins the buoyant local ute market with an ace trick up its sleeve – its all-electric powertrain.
Priced from $69,990 plus on-road costs, the Riddara boasts dual electric motors outputting 315kW of power and 595Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. It arrives equipped with a 73kWh battery that promises emissions-free range of up to 360km (WLTP test figure).
Built on a monocoque chassis with multi-link independent rear suspension, the Riddara RD6 also delivers ride comfort typically found in an SUV. It maintains its practical utility credentials, however, with a 3000kg braked tow rating and 1,030kg payload in the tray.
FARIZON SUPERVAN
Built from the ground up as an electric commercial vehicle, and featuring up to 1,390kg payload, the Farizon SuperVan offers up a multitude of solutions for businesses big and small.
With prices starting at $74,990 plus on-road costs, the SuperVan offers 170kW peak power, driven through the front wheels. Various battery sizes are available, from 67kWh to 83kWh, with range of up to 376km (WLTP test figure) available from fully charged.
ZEEKR X
Highly anticipated luxury EV brand, Zeekr, finally arrives in New Zealand with the Zeekr X delivering premium motoring for a price on par with internal combustion engine equivalents. Representing Geely Group’s premium electric sub-brand, Zeekr delivers all the cutting-edge technology, high performance, and refined craftsmanship that has been, until now, the preserve of top-tier luxury vehicles.
Starting at $59,990 plus on-road costs, the luxury crossover X boasts both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options and fully electric powertrains of up to 315kW. This translates to range of up to 540km.
ZEEKR 009
A new MPV silhouette joins the local market in the form of Zeekr’s luxurious all-electric 009.
Designed at Zeekr’s Swedish design centre, the 009, which can carry six people in a 2-2-2 configuration, arrives with a host of onboard luxury features as standard. Both first and second row chairs feature massaging functionality, with configurable ambient lighting and a powerful high-end Yamaha audio system adding to in-cabin ambience.
The Zeekr 009’s 116kWh battery delivers 450kW peak power, meaning – despite its ample proportions – the MPV can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Emissions-free range of up to 582km is achievable. The Zeekr 009 retails for $149,990 plus on-road costs.
ZEEKR 7X
Due to arrive later this year, the Zeekr 7X will be the luxury EV brand’s third offering in the New Zealand market.
With pricing and local specification still to be announced, the medium SUV will be available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive formats, with up to 475kW peak power. Battery sizes of between 75kWh and 100kWh will be available, with range of up to 615km achievable. What’s more, Zeekr says that with DC charging capability of up to 450kW, the 7X can be recharged from 20 to 80 percent in just 13 minutes.