Ebbett to open Geely concept store at Hamilton Base

Ebbett Automotive will open a new concept store at The Base shopping complex in Hamilton mid-September, introducing three Chinese electric vehicle brands to its Waikato operations.

The Te Rapa site will house Geely, Farizon and ZEEKR – all part of the Geely Holding Group, which also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, and holds significant stakes in Daimler and Aston Martin.

Located between Heathcote Appliances and the Mitre 10 building, the store sits less than a kilometre from Ebbett’s existing Hamilton dealerships. The company already represents Volvo and Polestar in the region.

“Choosing to represent a brand is not a decision we make lightly,” says Richard van den Engel, executive director of Ebbett Automotive.

“There are many new entrants to the New Zealand market, but we’ve chosen to represent Geely, Farizon and ZEEKR because of their proven quality, strong global reputation, and the technology behind them.”

Three-brand electric focus

The store will launch with the Geely EX5, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV offering up to 430km WLTP range, 30–80% fast charging in 20 minutes, and 0–100km/h acceleration in 6.9 seconds.

Also available from September will be the Geely Riddara RD6, an all-electric ute that Ebbett says blends SUV comfort and dynamics with traditional ute versatility.

Geely plans to offer hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric powertrains across its New Zealand SUV lineup, with continuous model expansion planned.

Farizon, positioned as Geely’s commercial new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, will offer the SuperVAN (SV) – a purpose-built electric commercial van with up to 376km WLTP range, targeting logistics, trades and fleet operations.

ZEEKR will serve as the premium electric performance brand, focusing on high-end EV innovation with advanced technology and bold design.

Established dealer network expansion

Walter van den Engel, managing director of Ebbett Automotive, says the expansion builds on the company’s long-standing community presence.

“We are proud to represent these emerging global names in Hamilton,” he says.

“It’s a privilege to continue growing our offering for the community we’ve been a part of for nearly a century.”

The concept store will provide sales and support for all three brands, backed by what the company calls “the trusted Ebbett experience customers know and value.”

Van den Engel says customers will receive “a full service, convenient, premium retail experience” at the shopping complex location.