LDV to launch new van in Australia this year

LDV plans to strengthen its local commercial vehicle lineup this year with the scheduled launch of a new mid-size van, in the fourth quarter.

This unnamed mid-size van will be available with both internal-combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, and three roof options.

In terms of size it will sit beneath the top-selling LDV Deliver 9, which rivals the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Renault Master.

At this stage LDV hasn’t confirmed any more information about this mystery mid-size van, saying. more will be communicated in due course.

We’re not certain whether this LDV will be an all-new model, or a version of a van that has already been revealed.

It’s also unclear if it will be sold alongside, or replace the existing G10 van which is also classified as mid-size.

However, we have some clues. Late last year the company revealed the Maxus V70 people mover – LDV uses Maxus branding in other markets – which has design elements that are reminiscent of the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Multivan.

This new mid-size van could potentially be a stripped-out two-seat version of the V70 people mover – in the same way the G10 once came in people-mover and van variations.

Little information about the V70 is on SAIC Motor’s home site, besides claims it sits on a new architecture.

Well-placed sources in China say the V70 launches with a 93kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and nine-speed automatic, with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km. An EV version hasn’t been revealed yet.

Seeing there will be an electric version of this upcoming mid-size van it will join the recently-launched eDeliver 9 large van, eT60 dual-cab ute, and MIFA 9 people mover in LDV’s burgeoning local EV lineup.

Last year LDV sold 16,269 vehicles in Australia, led by the T60 ute. It also posted big growth from the D90 large SUV, the diesel Deliver 9 was Australia’s top-selling large van, and the smaller G10 was number-three behind the Toyota HiAce and Hyundai Staria Load.

“The Deliver 9 is a clear example of what the LDV brand is capable of achieving,” said LDV general manager Dinesh Chinnappa.

“To take leadership in just two years requires a dedicated dealer network, outstanding product and a great value proposition. We believe that our future new product roll-out will be equally successful.”

“To that end, we expect our new mid-size van will replicate the success of the Deliver 9 and shake up its respective segment, too,” added Mr Chinnappa.

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