Experts step in to offer export solution for commercial vehicle distributor
Five electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) have been temporarily exported to Ireland to help boost sales and combat climate change.
They were sent to an exhibition to showcase a range of eLCVs, with support from Bradford-based overseas trade specialist, Chamber International.
The Leeds office of global freight forwarding company, Uniexpress, worked with Chamber International to transport the vehicles, worth almost £190,000 from the Warrington HQ of commercial vehicle importer and distributor, Harris Group.
The vehicles were used for Harris Group’s inaugural “Experience Electric with MAXUS” at Mondello Park, Co Kildare, staged for industry and commercial buyers, local authorities, government agencies and regulatory bodies.
To bypass the introduction of full customs controls following Brexit, Uniexpress, was advised by Chamber International to use an ATA Carnet, a duty and tax-free way to temporarily export goods, replacing the usual commercial and customs declarations and saving Harris Group almost £19,000 in import duties.
Harris MAXUS general manager, Mark Barrett, said: “We brought future variant models worked up for some UK customers to demonstrate our range of eLCVs to suit all sectors in the Irish market.
“MAXUS, which launched in the UK and Ireland in 2016, is enjoying significant success in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
“Between March 2021 and April 2022 more than 17,000 eLCVs were UK registered with MAXUS capturing an 11% market share.
“The growing interest in eLCVs to help combat climate change, particularly from the grocery, delivery and pharmaceutical sectors, is phenomenal.”
Dublin-based Harris Group, founded more than 50 years ago, imports its MAXUS range from SAIC MAXUS, China’s leading automotive and EV manufacturer.
Sally Whiteley, branch manager at the Leeds office of Uniexpress, which has more than 100 staff at six UK offices and specialises in imports and exports exports by sea, air and road, said: “We have supported Harris MAXUS since Brexit as they now need help clearing goods to, and from, Ireland.
“Chamber International’s expertise in issuing an ATA Carnet is fantastic in this tough economic climate and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with the team dealing with them from now on.”
Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, added: “Carnets are governed by international convention which means customs border posts in the EU are all working to the same rules.
“Since Brexit they’ve played a critical role by replacing the need to commercially clear goods through customs without the need to pay duty and tax.
“I’m pleased our Carnet specialists were able to help Harris Maxus with getting vehicles to Ireland for this exhibition.”
