Harris MAXUS has announced a 46pc growth in sales for its Irish and UK markets, underscoring the brand’s prominent position in the motoring industry, writes Trish Whelan.
Harris MAXUS Managing Director Mark Barrett credits this growth to the brand’s ‘robust investment into vehicle innovation, its range of premium pure electric vehicles and the proficiency of its dealership network along with a repositioning of the brand’.
He said: “Our BEVs sales performed well over the past 12 months with a 19.8pc uptick in the UK market. Ireland saw a 109pc increase, albeit from a lower base. Going into 2024, things are looking positive and we are projecting a 70pc rise in overall sales next year.”
Two new electric vehicles are set to be unveiled by the brand in 2024; the eDELIVER 5, a new premium electric panel van and the MIFA 7, a high-tech MPV which will be a smaller sister to the MIFA 9 that launched in 2022.
Mr Barrett also expressed confidence that the newly introduced eDELIVERY 7 (pictured above) will play a pivotal role in the company’s EV sales for 2024. “This mid-size electric van fits snugly between our smaller eDELIVER 3 van and larger eDELIVER 9 option and will fill a gap in the market.” It comes in three size configurations and two battery options, with an excess one tonne payload.
At a press briefing, Mr Barrett commented on the ‘appalling EV infrastructure in this country, particularly outside of major cities’. He said more action is needed by government with focus needed not only on the quantity of chargers available, but also the type of chargers and their location.
He also cited a lack of grants, incentives and supports for drivers and businesses causing frustration in the market.
As a result, and after considered customer feedback, Harris MAXUS have announced a strategic move to introduce a new diesel vehicle to market. Mr Barrett said: “Our strategy since 2020 was to phase out our diesel offering and to focus entirely on EVs. However, we recognise the challenges some face in adopting to electric vehicles. In recognition of these immediate requirements, we’re introducing a new diesel variant of the MAXUS DELIVER 7 in 2024.” He said this option provides a practical and carbon-efficient alternative for those navigating obstacles in the transition to EVs.
Integral to Harris MAXUS’ strategic approach is the increased provision of cutting-edge EV training for technicians at two state-of-the-art academies located at Harris HQ in Dublin and Liverpool.
Speaking about the future of the Harris Group and the MAXUS brand, Mark Barrett said: “2024 is not just a pivotal year for MAXUS, it marks a significant milestone for The Harris Group and its wider franchises. Substantial investments will be directed towards the enhancement of our Naas Road campus. Under the dynamic leadership of Mrs Denise Harris, the business will undergo a strategic restructuring, paving the way for considerable growth across all our brands.”
Harris MAXUS has 14 dealerships in Ireland, 60+ in the UK, and six vehicles in the range, five of which are pure electric vehicles.
