Giltrap launches new division

Giltrap Group has launched a new division, NordEast Vehicle Distributors, to represent all six Geely Group brands in New Zealand.

It is the first time globally the Geely brands – Geely, Farizon, Lotus, Polestar, Volvo and Zeekr – have been united under one distributor

The announcement on August 21 comes hot on the heels of news the all-electric performance brand Zeekr will soon make its debut here.

NordEast has 14 locations in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch and 29 showrooms nationwide. 

Five Zeekr dealerships have been confirmed across these locations and the new Geely, Farizon and Zeekr network is due to start operating from September 15.

Michael Giltrap, joint managing director of Giltrap Group, says NordEast will set a new benchmark for sustainable, electrified mobility in New Zealand. 

“We are delighted to partner with Geely Group for the range and quality their brands will deliver to Kiwi drivers,” he adds. 

“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.” 

NordEast’s range will include battery EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids across high-volume to premium EVs, as well as commercial vans designed for fleet decarbonisation and a fully electric ute. 

It has also announced its goal is to deliver 5,000 fully electrified vehicles within three years,  “bringing some of the most innovative, electrified vehicles in the world to New Zealand”.

Dane Fisher, who has been appointed group general manager of NordEast Vehicle Distributors, says he wants New Zealand consumers to see the merits of new energy vehicles. 

“We are redefining what Kiwis expect from electrification,” he explains. “We are offering low-emission vehicles at price parity with 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 notes its market research shows consumer interest and demand for low and zero-emissions vehicles is rebounding in New Zealand after a dip following the end of government rebates.

Geely Group is China’s third-largest automotive group and the fastest-growing with cumulative sales of 1.93 million units in the first six months of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 30 per cent.

Electrified vehicles accounted for one million of those sales and were up 73 pr cent over the same period.

“Chinese brands have proven that affordable, high-quality EVs are in demand,” says Fisher, pictured below. “New Zealand consumers are warming up to these brands due to competitive pricing and features.” 

Electric performance

Giltrap Group completed the official signing of the Zeekr distribution rights earlier this week and anticipates it will be a disruptor in New Zealand’s luxury EV market. 

“This is Geely Group’s premium electric brand that is redefining what luxury EV driving means,” adds Fisher. 

“Zeekr delivers cutting-edge technology, high performance and refined craftsmanship that until now has been the preserve of top-tier luxury models. 

“It offers Kiwi drivers a new choice in premium, zero-emission performance.”