Maxus UK and Ireland has added Rivervale Cars to it’s expanding UK franchised dealership network as part of the company’s expansion plans for 2020.

Through its partnership with Maxus and trading as Rivervale Maxus, the Brighton-based used car and van specialist will specialise in brand-new commercial vehicle sales, including electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

Neil Chapman, chief executive at Rivervale Cars, said: “We are joining this exciting brand at a pivotal moment when the demand for electric powered LCVs is on a steep upward trajectory and interest in EV automotive is huge.”

This year, Maxus has rebranded from its original LDV moniker and launched two platform vehicles this month, the Maxus DELIVER 9, the brand’s new flagship LCV, and the e DELIVER 3 - a fully electric medium-size van which clocks 200 miles in a single charge.

Vince Pemberton, chief operations officer at Rivervale Cars, said: “Through Rivervale Leasing we have seen the demand for electric vans increase.

This year alone, we know that over 20% of our LCV leasing enquiries have been on electric vans and now, following the launch of the new platform e DELIVER 3, we anticipate this to be the EV that will really drive further demand.”

Rivervale will bring the Maxus brand to customers in the surrounding areas of Sussex and parts of Hampshire. The company has appointed LCV specialist Rob Semple to head up Maxus sales for the region.

The moves come four years after Mark Barrett, general manager at Maxus UK importer Harris Automotive Distributors UC (Maxus/LDV), told AM that LDV was keen to establish a 40-strong van dealership network and 1,000 annual sales by 2020.

Barrett said: “2020 has been a huge year for Maxus, not only can we offer customers even more variety with the launch of our DELIVER 9 and e DELIVER 3, but we are also expanding our network of dealers, ensuring greater nationwide coverage and easy access to a Maxus van.

“Each of our dealers has an impressive track record and none more so than Rivervale Cars. We look forward to what I’m sure will be a successful future ahead as our partnership gets underway.”