Jameel taps Tom Carney as MD ahead of Farizon SV launch

Jameel Motors has appointed Inchcape executive Tom Carney as its first managing director in the UK.

Carney was most recently commercial and retail operations director at Inchcape and takes up his new role with immediate effect.

Jameel Motors Farizon Auto was set up to import and distribute the Farizon SV in the UK. This is part of Jameel Motors which has international operations in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Japan, China and Monaco, where brands it represents include Toyota, Lexus, BYD and MG Motor.

Ambitious Chinese electric van brand Farizon is currently looking to appoint a network of franchised dealers ahead of its launch in the first quarter of 2025.

The brand, which is part of the Geely Group and includes Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, has developed the electric Farizon SV for the European market and aims to be a market leader in the UK by the end of the decade.

The planned UK network will consist of a flagship dealership – operated by Jameel Motors Farizon Auto – in the London area and a number of regional LCV centres of expertise through a franchise dealer model. Sales start in Q1 2025, with first deliveries slated for Q2.

Carney brings over 30 years of experience in commercial and retail operations within the automotive sector, leading teams across sales, service and support functions with experience across BMW, Mini, Audi, JLR and Porsche brands.

Carney said of his appointment: “After years of strengthening and developing the UK presence of some of the world’s most established brands, it’s an exciting challenge to lead the introduction of a new brand and a fantastic new product.

“Jameel Motors has an enviable track record of establishing new operations around the world to the highest standards and I look forward to using all my experience to achieve the same in the UK. Already we have a very talented team which is growing rapidly and I believe we can become a leading market in Europe.”

The Farizon SV was designed for Europe and was awarded the highest Platinum safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Carney will work alongside country manager and former Chevrolet UK chief Andy Carroll, who has led the first phase of setting up Jameel Motors Farizon Auto in the UK. Carroll will move into an advisory role with Jameel Motors to support the Farizon launch as well as other projects.