Farizon, the SuperVAN will “play a key role in our overseas strategy”. An exclusive interview

Chinese automotive giant Farizon Auto, part of the Geely Group, is getting ready to produce and commercialize their new electric van, namely the SuperVAN, from 2024 onwards. As confirmed by the manufacturer not long ago, the brand-new zero-emission commercial vehicle, launched in November, 2022, will be introduced on a global scale, and especially in Europe, perhaps due to the bans to ICE vehicles that will be introduced in some major cities. The SuperVAN will be Farizon’s entry product for Europe.

Quite an important news for the whole last mile delivery market and scenario, as the Geely Group is among the very first players in automotive on a global scale. That’s why we tried to get some more information about Farizon’s plans by asking some questions. Answers came from a legitimate inside source.

Farizon Auto: high expectations in view of 2023

We’ve seen the results Farizon Auto managed to achieve in 2022 in China. Were they in line with your expectations? What’s the company’s view as for 2023?

“In 2022, Farizon has secured the industry-leading position in China’s new energy commercial vehicle market and made significant progress in global market expansion. Farizon’s development in 2022 was in line with our expectation. And based on that, we have set the strategies for 2023.

As for the sales volume, Farizon has become the best-selling new energy commerical vehicle brand in China in the year of 2022, reaching the monthly sales record of 10,244 units in December alone. In the meantime, Farizon has completed the Pre-A series funding with over 300 million dollars.

In 2023, Farizon will strive to reach 150,000 units sold in 2023. Besides, Farizon will adopt a diversified business model for overseas market, including the strategic layout and construction of local KD factories.

In November 2022, Farizon SuperVAN, which was designed for the global market based on Farizon’s strategy, was launched. In just over a month since the event, Farizon SuperVAN has consecutively received thousand-unit orders from Singapore and the UAE.

In 2023, Farizon SuperVAN will be delivered in small quantities. SuperVAN is expected to play a key role in Farizon’s overseas strategy, and our entry product into the European market. According to our strategic planning, half of Farizon SuperVAN’s sales order will come from export”.

The highly customizable Farizon SuperVAN will be available with multiple powertrain options, including pure electric, battery-swapping, NordThor® Power (hybrid) and methanol range-extender

Farizon Auto

Farizon SuperVAN: expected to play a crucial role in logistics

Talking about the SuperVAN, which were the main drivers when the van was designed? And now, which are its strong points, in your opinion?

“Farizon SuperVAN was launched based on Farizon’s thorough analysis and deep understanding of the global commercial vehicle market. In the developed markets, van plays a crucial role in the urban logistics industry. Taking the demand of global market into consideration, Farizon has fully combined our technological advantages and user-based philosophy to design our global model, SuperVAN.

Meanwhile, a key concept Farizon has adhered during the whole R&D process is that SuperVAN is a scenario-based vehicle. Farizon has always emphasized the importance of customization in satisfying diverse scenarios and demands. With the GMA drive-by-wire architecture, SuperVAN can be developed into different models to serve a variety of functions such as a MPV and pickup trucks. The dual-redundancy drive-by-wire architecture significantly improves vehicle performances with more accurate steering controls, faster response time, stabler energy recovery capability and safer operating environment. The GMA architecture also provides the basis for high-level autonomous driving”.

We know that Farizon Auto is going to approach the European market with the SuperVAN, quite a crowded one when it comes to commercial vehicles. What’s the company’s strategy? When will the vehicle be launched exactly?

“We are planning a market entry strategy and will give more details in due course. As planned, SuperVAN will be delivered in small batch later this year and will enter Europe in 2024“.

ICE vehicles bans and changing regulations

Paris and London are the first European capital cities to set a proper ban for ICE vehicles entering the city center. Are you going to address your strategy to these cities, or do you rather expect other countries to follow soon?

“We will take a deep analysis of the policies in our target markets and develop specific strategies. Of course, the UK and France will be our important target markets”.

SuperVAN is a scenario-based vehicle. Farizon has always emphasized the importance of customization in satisfying diverse scenarios and demands. With the GMA drive-by-wire architecture, SuperVAN can be developed into different models to serve a variety of functions such as a MPV and pickup trucks

Farizon Auto

Electric vehicles need available and suitable charging infrastructure. Thinking of the Europe, are you worried about the possible lack of infrastructure in some countries? Will Farizon Auto be promoting partnerships with some manufacturers of charging systems?

“The highly customizable Farizon SuperVAN will be available with multiple powertrain options, including pure electric, battery-swapping, NordThor® Power (hybrid) and methanol range-extender. Users can thus enjoy worry-free travel experience according to their local charging infrastructure condition”.

Are you considering manufacturing e-vans in Europe, or North America, maybe exploiting the synergies within the Geely Group?

“As planned, Farizon will adopt a staged market expansion strategy for the global market. The first stage is the breakthrough period of Farizon, focusing on trade. The next stage, Farizon will upgrade to “trade + regional cooperation” business model. In the third stage, Farizon aims to conduct an integrated operation model, by establishing localized R&D centers, KD factories and operating companies in major markets.

Geely Group will be supporting Farizon’s strategies and developments through all stages”.