Zapp Appoints New Head of Aftersales Europe to Implement ‘Drop Ship Direct to Customer’ Strategy
Zapp Electric Vehicles has appointed Graham Lusby as the new Head of Aftersales, Europe. With eight years of experience at McLaren Automotive, Lusby will implement Zapp's innovative drop-ship-direct-to-customer (DSDTC) sales model for the i300 electric bike. This model enhances customer convenience by delivering bikes directly to their chosen location and providing on-site servicing by trained technicians called 'Zappers'. The Business Combination with CIIG Capital Partners II is set to close in the first half of 2023, aiming for a Nasdaq listing under the ticker ZAPP.
- Appointment of Graham Lusby brings extensive experience from McLaren Automotive.
- Introduction of DSDTC sales model enhances customer convenience.
- On-site servicing by trained technicians improves customer satisfaction.
- Expected Nasdaq listing under the ticker ZAPP post-merger.
- Transition risks associated with management change.
- Challenges in executing a new business model in a competitive market.
- Graham Lusby has been appointed as the new Head of Aftersales, Europe, for Zapp as the company rolls out its drop-ship-direct-to-customer (DSDTC) sales model for its debut vehicle, the i300 electric performance city bike
- Customers will have their i300 delivered to an address of their choice by a “Zapper” in a Zapper van; Zappers will also come to the customer’s address of choice for any aftersales servicing requirements
- Lusby joins Zapp after eight years at McLaren Automotive Ltd where he held the position of UK Regional Aftersales Manager
- Media assets can be found here
LONDON, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited (“Zapp” or the “Company”), a UK-based high-performance two-wheel electric vehicle company, has appointed Graham Lusby as its new Head of Aftersales, Europe. Lusby joins Zapp after eight years at McLaren Automotive Ltd, where he held various senior positions including, most recently, Regional Aftersales Manager United Kingdom.
Lusby’s focus will be to implement Zapp’s innovative drop-ship-direct-to-customer (DSDTC) sales model which kicks off with Zapp’s debut vehicle, the i300 electric performance city bike. The DSDTC platform focuses on customer convenience through a “we come to you” model; once a customer has ordered their i300, the bike will be delivered to an address of their choice by a “Zapper”, a franchised and trained technician, in a Zapper van.
A trained “Zapper” will introduce the bike to the customer to make vehicle handover as simple, efficient and convenient as possible. A Zapper will also come to the customer’s chosen address – whether at home, work or elsewhere – to perform routine servicing on-site, so the bike does not have to leave the customer’s location. For more time-consuming servicing requirements, a Zapper will pick the bike up from the customer, then return it directly after service has been completed. All Zapper vans will carry a full toolkit and spare parts inventory.
Graham Lusby, new Head of Aftersales, Europe, at Zapp, said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining a forward-thinking and innovative company like Zapp. My immediate focus is to roll out the drop-ship-direct-to-customer service, which is part of Zapp’s commitment to make buying, receiving and owning an i300 as fuss-free and enjoyable as possible. The days of booking appointments at dealerships and then being left without a vehicle while the work is carried out are over. This is just one way in which Zapp thinks out of the box, I’m honoured to be part of the team on this exciting journey.”
During his eight years at McLaren Automotive, Graham held a number of senior positions, including Regional Aftersales Manager (Middle East and Latin America), Regional Aftersales Manager (Western Europe) and Regional Aftersales Manager (United Kingdom). Graham was integral to the operational improvement and development of 29 McLaren retailers across multiple regions. Graham joined McLaren as Global Technical Support Specialist in 2014 and supported the global launch of the McLaren P1.
David McIntyre, Chief Commercial Officer at Zapp, said: “We are very pleased to welcome someone of Graham’s talent and ability to the Zapp family. Graham shares our values and perspectives and, crucially, understands that in today’s busy world customers expect ease of ownership and convenience, especially from a premium company such as Zapp.”
Proposed Business Combination
On November 22, 2022, Zapp and CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc., a U.S. publicly-listed blank check company (Nasdaq: CIIG) (“CIIG II”), announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”). Upon closing of the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Business Combination”), the combined company, Zapp Electric Vehicles Group Limited (“Pubco”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, is expected to list its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “ZAPP”. The Business Combination is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to stockholder approvals and other customary closing conditions.
About Zapp
Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited is a British company – run by a team of experts from the mobility industry – on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Zapp created the i300 as an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun. The i300 is the first in a suite of high-performance electric two-wheelers expected to come to market from Zapp. Zapp is expected to operate a high-quality direct-to-customer (DTC) experience called DSDTC (drop-ship-direct-to-customer). Customers ordering the i300 online will have their bikes conveniently delivered to their home by “Zappers” who provide at-home inspection, service and support throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle.
About CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc.
CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc. is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. CIIG II’s units, Class A common stock and warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “CIIGU,” “CIIG,” and “CIIGW” respectively.
Investor Relations Contact:
Gateway Investor Relations
Cody Slach, Ralf Esper
(949) 574-3860
zapp@gatewayir.com
North America Media Relations Contact:
Gateway PR
Zach Kadletz
(949) 574-3860
zapp@gatewayir.com
Global Media Relations Contact:
Influence
Nick Francis
+44 7767615115
pr@zappev.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws with respect to the proposed Business Combination between Zapp, CIIG II and Pubco, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction, the anticipated timing of the transaction, the anticipated growth in the industry in which Zapp operates and anticipated growth in demand for Zapp’s products, projections of Zapp’s future financial results and possible growth opportunities for Zapp. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “budget,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of CIIG II’s securities, (ii) the risk that the transaction may not be completed by CIIG II’s business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by CIIG II, (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, including the adoption of the merger agreement by the stockholders of CIIG II, (iv) the lack of a third party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed Business Combination, (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Zapp’s business relationships, performance, and business generally, (vii) risks that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans of Zapp or diverts management’s attention from Zapp’s ongoing business operations and potential difficulties in Zapp’s employee retention as a result of the proposed Business Combination, (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Zapp, Pubco, CIIG II or their respective directors or officers related to the proposed Business Combination, (ix) the ability of Pubco, CIIG II or a successor thereto to maintain the listing of its securities on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, (x) volatility in the price of the securities of Pubco, CIIG II or a successor thereto due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Zapp plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Zapp’s business and changes in the combined capital structure, (xi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed Business Combination, and identify and realize additional opportunities, (xii) the risk of downturns in the highly competitive electric vehicle industry, (xiii) the ability of Zapp to build the Zapp brand and consumers’ recognition, acceptance and adoption of the Zapp brand, (xiv) the risk that Zapp may be unable to develop and manufacture electric vehicles of sufficient quality and on schedule and scale, that would appeal to a large customer base, (xv) the risk that Zapp has a limited operating history, has not yet released a commercially available electric vehicle and does not have experience manufacturing or selling a commercial product at scale and (xvi) the risk that Zapp may not be able to effectively manage its growth, including its design, research, development and maintenance capabilities.
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Pubco’s registration statement on Form F-4, CIIG II’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by Pubco, CIIG II or a successor thereto from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this document represent the views of Zapp, Pubco and CIIG II as of the date of this document. Subsequent events and developments may cause that view to change. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and all forward-looking statements in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Zapp, Pubco and CIIG II assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. None of Zapp, Pubco nor CIIG II gives any assurance that Zapp, Pubco or CIIG II will achieve its expectations. The inclusion of any statement in this document does not constitute an admission by Zapp, Pubco or CIIG II or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This document relates to the proposed Business Combination between CIIG II, Pubco and Zapp. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act. In connection with the Business Combination, Pubco filed a registration statement on Form F-4 with the SEC (as may be amended from time to time, the “Registration Statement”) on December 16, 2022, which included a preliminary proxy statement of CIIG II and a preliminary prospectus of Pubco, and after the Registration Statement is declared effective, CIIG II will mail a definitive proxy statement relating to the Business Combination to CIIG II’s stockholders. The Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, when declared effective by the SEC, will contain important information about the Business Combination and the other matters to be voted upon at a meeting of CIIG II’s stockholders to be held to approve the Business Combination (and related matters). Pubco and CIIG II may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Business Combination. Before making any voting decision, CIIG II stockholders and other interested persons are urged to read the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, when available, and other documents filed in connection with the Business Combination, as these materials will contain important information about Zapp, Pubco, CIIG II and the Business Combination.
Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by CIIG II through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by CIIG II may be obtained free of charge from CIIG II’s website at https://ciigpartners.com/ or by written request to CIIG II at 40 West 57th Street, 29th Floor, New York, New York 10019.
INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Participants in the Solicitation
CIIG II, Pubco and Zapp and their respective directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from CIIG II’s stockholders in connection with the proposed Business Combination. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of CIIG II’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transactions is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus. You can find more information about CIIG II’s directors and executive officers in CIIG II’s final prospectus filed with the SEC on September 14, 2021 and in the proxy statement/prospectus. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed Business Combination may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed Business Combination. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding section.
No Offer or Solicitation
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase any security of Pubco, Zapp, CIIG II or any of their respective affiliates. No such offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of section 10 of the Securities Act, or an exemption therefrom. The contents of this document have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aaca64f4-caab-4df5-b730-b4c28c9ad2e2
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