INCOMING entrant to the Australian auto market, Geely Auto, has appointed DB Schenker as its logistics partner as it steps up its customer service.

The partnership ensures that Geely genuine parts will be available to Australian owners and seeks to eliminate any wait periods for imported components.

DB Schenker will provide Geely with stock and storage management; importation and customs clearance of all parts; local logistics to support authorised dealers and deliver agile service across Australia.

Geely said the appointment of a logistics provider was seen as being critical to Australian consumers when deciding to purchase a car. The deal gives the Chinese car-maker – which will launch its first model, the EX5 in the first half of this year – access to DB Schenker’s global experience and Australian knowledge.

Geely said that the parts supply chain was a key component of an extensive, superior customer service experience program that it is developing under its aftersales director Kieren Gradidge, for its debut in Australia.

Geely Auto Australia head Mr Li Lei said in a statement that customer satisfaction was a key driver for Geely at a group level.

“We have a legacy of high-quality service that filters through all our brands, and Geely Auto is excited to bring this superior experience to the Australian market,” he said.

“The partnership with DB Schenker will provide our customers with the confidence that any parts required will be readily available without the need to wait for lengthy importing processes to enjoy the cars they have chosen. 

“Another important aspect for us was to ensure we are selecting a long-term partner to support our commitment to Australia. 

“DB Schenker has shown an appetite to grow with us as we bring new models to the market and are ready to provide the scalability we need in a partner to deliver our brand promise of a high-quality brand experience across all customer touchpoints.” 

Geely EX5

Geely said that the understanding of the highly regulated nature of electric vehicle battery logistics was important when appointing a technically-oriented 3PL provider who could manage such sensitive storage requirements and transportation solutions with a meticulous, safety-first approach.  DB Schenker Australia and New Zealand CEO Craig Davison said his company was honoured to have been selected by Geely Auto Australia to manage the third-party logistics of their parts.

“With over 150 years of operations, and extensive experience in the automotive sector, we will be providing industry specific understanding and solutions to deliver Geely’s quality and customer service goals,” he said.

“With Geely’s ambitious forecasts and plans, they needed a safe and scalable solution for end-to-end contract logistics, from the moment the container arrives at the port, through clearance, delivery, warehousing and on to nationwide distribution. 

“We are confident in our ability to provide this, and support their launch in the Australian market.”

Geely Auto Group is a leading automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China and was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary unit of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). The Group manages several leading brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. 

Geely Auto Group is also the global strategic partner of Malaysian national automaker Proton.

The controlling shareholder in Geely Auto is Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), which is also the parent company of Volvo Car Group, Geely Commercial Vehicles Group, Geely New Technology Group and Mitime Group.