UK's first multi-brand, all-electric automotive company, Innovation Automotive, launches

The UK's first multi-brand, all-electric automotive company has launched. Based in Cirencester, Innovation Automotive (IA), has begun setting out its ambitions for the UK market, ahead of its full-scale launch later this year, aiming to make the purchase of electric vehicles as simple and accessible as possible in a direct-to-consumer model.

The company is led by CEO Paul Bridgen, Operations Director for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, which pulled out of the UK and European new car markets this year. Paul has been joined in the new venture by other former senior management staff from Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.

Innovation Automotive will initially focus on the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market. Recent data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that, despite year-on-year growth, ‘Alternatively Fuelled Vehicle’ LCV sales accounted for just 3.86 per cent and 2.38 per cent of monthly sales in June and July 2021.

Paul Brigden, said: “Innovation Automotive exists to make the switch to electric as hassle-free and straightforward as possible. IA hopes to challenge the reticence and scepticism that still exists in the market and help customers feel comfortable that they are making the smart choice.

“IA’s leadership team have been in the UK automotive industry for many years, and we understand the barriers that exist to making the switch to electric. That’s why we created this company. This is about offering the right products, at the right price with the right level of service.”

The first brands that IA will distribute in the UK will be DFSK and Skywell, with the class-leading DFSK EC35 compact panel van the first vehicle to go on sale in early 2022. This will be followed by the DFSK EC31, an electric chassis cab van.

DFSK is a Chinese company which produces microvans, flat-bed commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. DFSK is operated jointly by Dongfeng, a major Chinese car maker and  Chongqing Sokon Industry Group.

IA also has an exclusive agreement to provide Skywell commercial vehicles and will be introducing Skywell products to the UK in the near future.

Skywell New Energy Vehicles Corp was founded in 2011 following the acquisition of Nanjing Jinlong Bus Manufacturing Co. It is now a leading developer and global supplier of electric vehicles. With headquarters located in Nanjing, China, with production factories located in Wuhan, Shenzhen and Xianyang, Skywell manufactures and markets  sustainable vehicles from light-duty automobiles, to medium and heavy-duty buses, commercial and specialty fleet trucks.

Innovation Automation is exhibiting on stand F421 at this month’s Commercial Vehicle Show which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham from August 31-2 September.