During the past few months there has been much activity in the van dealership sector, with new dealer sites unveiled as well as announcements about forthcoming facilities in the pipeline.
For example, Jameel Motors UK, the official distributor of Farizon in the UK, has opened a £1.3m flagship site in Park Royal, London, selling its SV electric van.
The facility, located on the busy A406 North Circular near the Hangar Lane Gyratory, serves as both a prime Farizon dealership and the national headquarters for the brand and the distributor in the UK.
More than 30 staff are based there across sales, marketing, product, and network development functions.
This sales team focuses on supporting sole traders, businesses and fleet operators as they transition to electric vans.
Teams also offer tailored finance and fleet solutions, along with advice on commercial and home charging options, through partnerships with ChargePoint and Hypervolt.
In addition, visitors have the opportunity to explore and test drive the complete Farizon SV line-up, which includes nine different combinations of body configuration and battery options.
To help customers experience the vehicle first-hand, no-obligation 48-hour test drives are also available.
The new workshop features the latest diagnostic and servicing technology, with two inspection ramps installed and capacity to add two more to meet growing demand.
Also, a fully stocked parts and accessories department provides immediate access to key components.
Scott Fogharty, Dealer Principal at Farizon Park Royal, said: “Our flagship site is a significant step in establishing strong roots for the Farizon brand in the UK.
“It reflects our long-term commitment to providing customers with exceptional quality of service throughout their purchase and ownership journeys, all of which is supported by first-class facilities and expertise.
“This opening represents just the beginning of an exciting new phase for Farizon and Jameel Motors in the UK.”
The facility is in addition to other Farizon dealer sites at Heathrow Van Centre, SMV Commercials in Street, Brian Currie Van Centre in Milton Keynes, Rygor Auto in Reading and Oxford, as well as Waterton Motor Group in Bridgend, which has become its first dealership in Wales.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors has announced its first UK sales dealer appointments as it prepares to relaunch vehicle sales for the Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck and Outlander PHEV.
In total, 33 sales sites have been appointed in the initial phase, putting the brand on course to reach its target of 60 UK dealers ahead of new model arrivals in May 2026.
Mitsubishi withdrew from the UK market in 2021, and International Motors has held the parts and service agreement for the brand since.
Existing aftersales coverage remains wide, with 105 sites already active across the UK.
Among the returning dealers are Humphries & Parks in Maidstone, Adam Purves in Galashiels, Fields of Bromsgrove, Celtic Mitsubishi in Swansea, JT Hughes in Shrewsbury and Tweedmouth in Berwick-upon-Tweed, many of which have extensive experience with the manufacturer.
Mitsubishi has also brought in new dealer groups, some of which already operate in the wider International Motors portfolio. These include York Mitsubishi, F J Chalke in Wincanton, Jeffries of Bacton and Startin in Twycross.
Sharon Townsend, Head of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “We are pleased to welcome back so many familiar dealers as authorised sales points.
“The experience, enthusiasm and knowledge they bring to the network and our customers are vitally important, and it will be wonderful to see new Mitsubishi vehicles back in their dealerships. We are also pleased to welcome some new partners to the franchise.
“The news around Mitsubishi vehicle sales has generated considerable interest from customers and dealers alike, and we look forward to completing our new dealer sales network in the coming weeks.”
Also, Harris Maxus UK has expanded its presence in north-east Scotland following the opening of a new dealership in Aberdeen by long-standing partner AM Phillip.
The Dyce site offers full sales, service and parts support across the Maxus range of diesel and electric vans, staffed by highly-trained technicians.
It is equipped with specialist diagnostics and access to the national parts distribution network to help maximise vehicle uptime.
The new dealership has created 14 jobs, with further recruitment expected as the business expands.
Rob McWilliam, managing director at AM Phillip, said the addition of Maxus to its Dyce operation gives its customers access to a range of reliable LCVs, with both diesel and electric powertrains, at competitive price points.
He added: “Returning to Aberdeen with a permanent base was a natural step for us.
“We’ve maintained strong relationships with customers in the region for many years, and it became clear that the demand was there for a full-service presence.
“With seven locations now supporting the brand across Scotland, we are in a strong position to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience wherever our customers operate.”
Dealer group Hendy has opened a new van dealership in Dorset with a showroom offering Kia’s new ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ (PBV) electric range of electric light commercial vehicles.
The Hendy Van Centre is also expanding to offer new vans from Nissan, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, Renault, and Fiat.
Used vehicles sold through the site – which is well placed for customers across Dorset, Wareham, Christchurch and Bournemouth – come with a standard three-month warranty, 90-point quality check and national delivery.
John Stone, regional director at Hendy Group, said: “We’ve opened this site in response to demand from local tradespeople who are time poor and want to explore a diverse selection of vans and light commercial vehicles all under one roof.
“Our new van centre allows us to showcase some exciting new brands which haven’t previously been available locally.
“This site will be a one-stop shop for traders and businesses based in and around Dorset, providing new and used stock, high-quality sales support and advice from our team of enthusiastic, van-savvy Hendy colleagues.”
It is encouraging to see manufacturers and van dealers continuing to invest in high quality sites, providing customers with an experience and a level of service that matches the reputation of the brands they represent.
