Tell us about the new electric pick-up truck from Maxus and the response to it from potential buyers?
As the UK’s first all-electric pick-up, the Maxus T90EV has attracted huge attention – it’s the model that our dealerships, customers and potential customers have been waiting for and there is genuine excitement around the T90EV.
It’s a brilliant vehicle for both on and off-road driving and while the spec for the UK market is still being finalised, we know that the Maxus T90EV will be equipped with a high-level spec with a likely range of 198 miles (WLTP estimated), and a payload of circa one ton. The visually sporty exterior is complemented by a modern interior with a 10.25-inch digital touch screen instrument cluster providing a minimalist look. The T90EV is roomy thanks to a neat dashboard design and floor console, making more room for both occupants and storage.
The T90EV is available to order this month and such has been the interest from the market that we are anticipating a strong order book from the get-go.
What new dealerships have joined the Maxus network?
Over the past few months, we have been focused on growing our network of dealers in the UK, with the current number standing at 50. When it comes to expanding our dealer network, we look for partners with a solid track record, not only in sales and customer service but in aftersales too. Each dealer in our network has an excellent local reputation and none more so than our most recent partnerships which include JS Holmes (Cambridgeshire), AM Philips (Inverness), Stoner Motor Company (Kent), Sandicliffe (Leicestershire) and Roadworthy Ltd. (Bristol).
We also recently welcomed two fantastic new dealerships in Northern Ireland, Greg Mitchell Motors, located in Co Tyrone and Shelbourne Motors, based in Co. Armagh.
Can you provide any details about the Maxus electric HGV tractor unit due to launch in the UK in 2024?
We are gearing up to put a 4×2 tractor unit into trials and pre-production testing in the UK within the next two years. With a completely new platform and built from the ground up, the tractor unit will go by the code name HILA.
HILA will offer a wide range of battery options to give the customer the range and payload that best suits their application.
It’s early days yet but it’s an exciting development for Maxus and we will release more information, as we have it, over the coming months.
How important is electrification to Maxus?
In less than six years, the Maxus brand has become synonymous with market-leading commercial electric vehicles, which is a very strong position for a brand that is relatively new but is clearly having a significant impact on the EV marketplace.
Between March 2021 and April 2022 there were more than 17,000 eLCVs registered in the UK with Maxus capturing 11% market share. EVs have accounted for more than 36% of Maxus registrations over the past 12 months, which will give you some idea of just how important electrification is to our business.
Mark Barrett, General Manager, Harris Maxus UK & Ireland
