The Future is Bright for LDV as it Announces New Products and New Markets
New markets for Harris Group and LDV
The Harris Group has been appointed official distributor of the LDV light commercial vehicle range in Malta and Cyprus. In a move that expands LDV’s presence across Europe, Harris is committed to building a strong dealer network for the brand across all right-hand drive markets in Europe. The Group represents the LDV range in a total of seven territories, including the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and now Malta and Cyprus. Two years post launch, the UK and Ireland dealer network stands upwards of 44 dealers and Mark Barrett, general manager for LDV UK & Ireland, confirmed that the company is putting on a big drive to expand the dealer network throughout the UK.
Delivering for the environment in EV80
Retail giant Ikea took delivery of its first two EV80s, which will be used at its Exeter store. The delivery marks the beginning of a productive relationship between LDV and Ikea and highlights a commitment, by each company, to greener motoring. Royal Mail will take delivery of their first demonstration EV80 in May 2018. The vehicle is showcased on the LDV stand, hall 5F120 at the CV show.
The EV80, the first of LDV’s EV range, has been designed with zero emissions technology together with advanced electric power systems, providing greener power and in return, reducing environmental impacts. It is the first of LDV’s new generation of cleaner, alternative fuel vehicles that is ideal for both city driving and short journeys, boasting a 120 mile range on a single charge.
The company is firmly focused on the future of greener motoring with impending plans to launch a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell propelled CV.
LDV was awarded LCV Manufacturer of the Year at the most recent GreenFleet Awards, which celebrate and reward the work undertaken by stakeholders in the fleet sector to reduce the environmental impacts of automotive vehicles, and promote zero and ultra-low-emission technology. The brand emerged as overall winner in a stiffly-contested category that recognised the efforts it has made to reduce CO2 and increase fuel economy in its LCVs.
LDV is manufactured by SAIC, the largest automotive company in China and distributed by Harris Automotive Distributors. SAIC recently confirmed a partnership with China’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL) to drive the future of advanced, power battery systems. The deal between the two companies involves a multi-billion investment that will challenge the world’s current largest power battery production plant, the Tesla ‘Super Factory’, with plans to reach 36,000 GWh of capacity by 2020.
New Markets New Products
Harris and SAIC Motors continuously look at ways in which to bring new opportunities and products to the market.
SV63
LDV revealed a next generation V80 and in 2019 will add the SV63 to its dynamic and growing fleet. Building on the high standards and spec of LDV’s popular V80 model, the new vehicle will have increased payloads (1.3 – 2.5T) and lower ground clearance. With an all new D20 Euro 6d engine torque of up to 400Nm and up to five tonne, the SV63 will incorporate innovative design, intelligent safety features, a smooth driving experience and environmental protections as standard.
Five-star safety rating for T60
The T60 is the first Chinese-produced pick-up to be awarded a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, Australia and New Zealand’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate, and is the perfect vehicle for both on and off-road driving. Equipped with a high level of specification and stylish interior quality, LDV anticipates that the pick-up truck will generate significant interest should it become available on the European market. According to Mark Barrett, General Manager of LDV for UK and Ireland; “Whether it is for lifestyle or business use, it is imperative that we have the right product for the right market and we are really excited by the T60, which is in a class of its own.”
D90
The D90 SUV currently available in other markets raises the bar for seven seat SUV’s with an incredible high spec that includes heated, cooled and massaging driver’s seat, along with a host of safety technology.
Best Seller
Mark Barrett confirmed that in the two years since launch, LDV’s Long wheel base high roof has been its bestselling vehicle but that the last two quarters have seen a surge in sales for chassis cabs. “We are offering pre-bodied chassis cabs, tipper, Luton and drop-sides, all of which are available ex-stock for immediate delivery. Whatever size of order you place we can cater for it and offer immediate delivery.”
Foundations for growth
“Having re-established the LDV brand and laid the foundations for future growth with a fantastic dealer network, finance offers, warranty and after-sales service, we are now in a great position to announce some really exciting developments for LDV over the next two years. Expanding into new markets such as Malta and Cyprus is a fantastic opportunity to grow LDV’s dealer network outside of mainland Europe and the response to the range has been very positive. This is testament not only to the fantastic value that the LDV offers both individual and fleet buyers, but also to the all-round quality and spec of the vehicles The expanding range of products will offer great additions to our fleet and support dealers with a full range line-up, whilst allowing us to continue to deliver high-spec vehicles at an affordable price,” concluded Mark.
To find your local LDV dealer or for more information www.myldv.co.uk
