Light commercial vehicle brand overtakes legacy brands with 22% market share, according to latest figures
One of Ireland’s newest automotive brands, MAXUS, has overtaken some of the biggest names in the commercial vehicle market and was today confirmed as the best-selling light commercial vehicle (LCV) in Ireland for 20241, to date.
The Chinese brand, which is distributed in Ireland by Harris Group, one of the country’s leading automotive companies, has for the first time been ranked the top selling LCV brand in Ireland capturing 22% market share1. This news follows the addition, last month, of two new electric vehicles to the MAXUS portfolio. The MAXUS eDELIVER 5 (van) and MIFA 7 (MPV) were launched at the Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK, where Harris Group showcased 13 all-electric MAXUS variants.
Mark Barrett (pictured), MD of Group Franchises at Harris Group said that the company’s support for the brand, its investment in its dealership network together with creative marketing campaigns have helped position MAXUS as a formidable challenger in the marketplace, just four years following its rebrand from LDV.
“MAXUS’ rapid growth in the Irish LCV market can be attributed to a number of factors,” said Mark Barrett. “Clearly you have to have a great product to begin with, but a vehicle won’t sell itself. We’ve taken an innovative approach to supporting the product, working closely with our dealers and being clever with our marketing. We act fast and our decisions are not constrained by lengthy processes and red tape; we are an agile company and that is yielding dividends.
“While we still have diesel products to support customers not yet ready to move to EV, MAXUS is a recognised trailblazer in the electric vehicle commercial sector. More recently we entered the passenger vehicle market with two electric MPVs and are constantly raising the bar with newer specs, enhanced battery range and an unparalleled after sales service, which is crucial to customer retention and the lifespan of a vehicle.”
MAXUS’ electric journey began eight years ago under its former moniker, LDV, with the debut of the EV80, the brand’s first all-electric commercial vehicle. Since then, MAXUS, through Harris Group, has introduced ten commercial and passenger vehicles to both the Irish and UK markets, eight of which are fully electric. The recent launch of the eDELIVER 5 and MIFA 7 further solidifies MAXUS’ position as a leader in the electric vehicle market, combining impressive range, adaptable design, luxury comfort, and cutting-edge technology.
Considered Ireland’s largest privately-owned distributor, MAXUS is set to play a pivotal role in Harris Group’s plans for significant growth in 2024/2025 and under the leadership of CEO, Denise Harris, work is underway on a new state-of-the-art showroom at the group’s headquarters on the Naas Road in Dublin. The group is also expanding its onsite Training Academy, which provides cutting-edge EV training for technicians both within the group and across its extensive dealership network. The academy, launched in 2021, has quickly become a premier hub for knowledge exchange and a leading centre of excellence in EV technology education.
MAXUS is manufactured by Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor Corporation Limited. In 2021, SAIC bolstered its commitment to innovation by establishing an in-house Research and Development (R&D) team focused on AI, big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. As a member of the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN) SAIC is leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and digitalisation to drive the development of new energy intelligent connected vehicles.
1 SIMI 2024
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