Tom Carney has joined Jameel Motors Farizon Auto as managing director, spearheading the launch of the Farizon SV electric van in the UK.

Tom Carney, MD at Jameel Motors Farizon Auto

Carney, a former Inchcape executive, joins country manager Andy Carroll as importer Jameel Motors builds a strong team for the UK, ahead of sales starting for the Farizon SV (Super Van) this quarter.

Unveiled in December by Geely’s commercial vehicle arm Farizon, the new eLCV contender sits in the 3,500kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) van sector and was recently awarded the highest ‘Platinum’ safety rating from Euro NCAP.

The Farizon SV is being introduced to the UK by Jameel Motors (see our exclusive interview here) after it joined forces with Farizon Auto to distribute electric commercial vehicles in the UK.

Carney brings over 30 years of experience in commercial and retail operations within the automotive sector, leading teams across sales, service and support functions. Most recently commercial and retail operations director at Inchcape, he has experience stretching across multiple brands, including BMW, Mini, Audi, JLR and Porsche.

Carney said: “After years of strengthening and developing the UK presence of some of the world’s most established brands, it’s an exciting challenge to lead the introduction of a new brand and a fantastic new product.

“Jameel Motors has an enviable track record of establishing new operations around the world to the highest standards and I look forward to using all my experience to achieve the same in the UK. Already we have a very talented team which is growing rapidly and I believe we can become a leading market in Europe.”

Carney will work alongside Andy Carroll, who has led the first phase of setting up Jameel Motors Farizon Auto in the UK. Carroll will move into an advisory role with Jameel Motors in the UK to support the Farizon activities as well as other projects.

The Farizon SV starts delivered in Q2 and will be available in three vehicle lengths and three heights in the UK, along with two battery sizes: 67kWh and 83kWh. A 106kWh battery option will follow.

Full UK specification and pricing will be announced in the coming weeks, along with a date for the start of sales.