- NordEast brands Geely and Riddara enjoy huge growth.
- Company claims Zeekr 7X as number-1 premium car in April.
- Two new dealerships opening, bringing the total to 8.
New Zealand Geely importer NordEast Vehicle Distributors is celebrating 551% sales growth year-on-year and has announced plans to expand its dealer network.
As is often the case in the Kiwi car industry, the percentages are big but the numbers are still quite modest: total sales of Geely-branded models (including the Riddara RD6 Pro ute, which does have a Geely badge on its tailgate) for 2026 year-to-date are 417, up from just 27 vehicles in 2025.
In terms of that 2025 figure, Geely didn't launch until April, with just one model: the EX5 EV. The Giltrap Group-owned NordEast parent company wasn't formed until August 2025, after which followed new Geely models such as the Riddara and Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
A more accurate, yet still impressive illustration of Geely's growth might be the April-May period, where it sold 26 vehicles in 2025 compared to 170 this year (taking-in the latest period of increased EV/PHEV buyer interest through the fuel-price crisis).
A new Robertson Motor Group dealership opened in Palmerston North on June 2 representing Geely, Zeekr and Farizon, while Christchurch automotive retailer Cockram Motor Limited will open a new Geely and Farizon dealership in Nelson on July 1.
Dane Fisher, group general manager at NordEast, says the network expansion reflects the strong momentum the brands are experiencing: “The growth we're seeing speaks for itself with Geely up 551% year-on-year... As more NZers embrace electrified mobility, our nationwide presence will expand to meet that demand, supported by our trusted partners.”
Zeekr and Farizon success
NordEast handles six different Geely-owned brands: Geely, Zeekr, Farizon (EV-vans) Volvo, Polestar and Lotus.
The company claims the Zeekr 7X EV topped the premium market across all powertrains in April.
It also says the next five shipments of the new Farizon V7E EV-van are sold out already (120 vehicles).
The dealership additions increase the Geely and Farizon networks to eight locations, and Zeekr to seven locations nationwide.