GSF Car Parts has announced a new partnership with Matt Cleevely to develop and market its growing EV programme.
The factor group’s Drivetec EV range already covers much of the UK’s battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) parc, but its latest plans will allow for further enhancement.
Matt Cleevely, owner of Cleevely EV, is the UK’s best-known independent specialist, having pioneered the development of aftermarket repair solutions for EV vehicles over many years.
The Cheltenham-based garage attracts EV owners from across the UK. Cleevely EV is a long-standing customer of GSF’s Cheltenham South branch, located a short distance from their workshops. Cleevely is also a passionate advocate for garages looking to maximise the growing commercial opportunity in service and repair of EVs.
GSF and Cleevely collaboration
The new partnership will see both GSF Car Parts and Matt Cleevely collaborate on range development and product sourcing as the UK’s EV parc evolves. Cleevely will also advise GSF trade customers on training and business development as many more look to future-proof their incomes streams.
“Matt Cleevely is the leading pioneer in this growing category; he seized the opportunity early to upskill and meet the growing demand for this type of work,” commented Al Preston, Chief Customer Officer at GSF Car Parts. “We have been working with Matt for several months as we continually look to develop our offer and better serve our customers.
“As more EVs fall into the aftermarket, we are delighted to announce that Matt has now officially become part of GSF’s strategy and together look forward to developing a market-leading offer.
“We want to support Matt’s efforts to encourage and promote the benefits of EV training amongst his peers too. His persuasive presentations are highly respected for their transparency and insight.”
Growing EV parc
Despite reports of a slowdown, the EV market in the UK is continuing to grow. Across the first 10 months of the year, plug-in cars make up 26.4% of all registrations, over a quarter of the market.
In terms of used cars, EVs made up 3.9% of all transactions in the third quarter of 2024, and in the year-to-date, almost half a million BEVs and PHEVs have found new owners, a 3.6% share. This number is set to increase rapidly in the next few years, especially as ex-fleet models find their way into the used-car market. With new BEV and PHEV sales having improved rapidly over the last three years, the aftermarket needs to be ready.
“There are over two million plug-in cars already registered in the UK and sales of new BEV vehicles represent almost 18% of all new cars sold in the UK so far this year,” added Dev Satpathy, Chief Customer Officer at GSF Car Parts. “It is imperative that GSF and its customers are well-trained, ready, and supported.
“Matt Cleevely has a unique line of sight as components fail and these vehicles drift out of their manufacturer warranties. With Matt’s insight and GSF’s buying power, we are confident that our EV range will be tough to beat in terms of breadth and value in the market.”
Speaking about his involvement in the new partnership, Matt Cleevely, Owner of Cleevely EV, added: “This partnership has been long in the making, and when I sat down and outlined my vision with GSF’s chairman, Sukhpal, it became clear there was an opportunity that would mutually benefit both parties. With GSF’s support in product sourcing, I can focus on growing my core business and helping other garage owners specialise and reap the rewards from EV.”
