Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) has announced the appointment of Richard Chamberlain as SAIC MAXUS Country Manager for the UK and Ireland.

The appointment comes at a time of sustained growth for the MAXUS brand, which is distributed by the Harris Group, across right hand drive Europe.

Richard Chamberlain joins SAIC from Stellantis, where he was previously LCV Director for Stellantis UK and Country Manager for Fiat Professional. Richard will be working with the Harris MAXUS team in a supportive role, as the network and brand continues to evolve. SAIC MAXUS will not be directly selling in the UK, but will offer a real-time support role to Harris MAXUS and its dedicated dealer network.

Mark Barrett, Managing Director at Harris MAXUS welcomed the news saying: “We look forward to working with Richard and SAIC to further grow the MAXUS brand, in the UK and Ireland. Since we relaunched the brand here in 2016, we’ve enjoyed sustained growth in both markets. With a diverse range of premium vehicles, and with even more new models on their way, MAXUS is set for even more success into the future. It’s an exciting time for the brand and Richard’s arrival could not have come at a better time.”

Richard Chamberlain said, "this is a great opportunity to join an exciting and growing brand that is leading the industry with a wide portfolio of electric products and significant traction in a number of sectors. I'm looking forward to working closely and supporting the Harris MAXUS brand, as we embark on the next stage of the journey."

Harris MAXUS currently has over 70 dealers located around the UK and Ireland. SAIC has been the name behind the MAXUS brand since 2010, is the largest automotive group in China and is ranked 68th in Fortune’s Global 500 list.