LDV: Another local debut for a Chinese manufacturer
Recently, LDV (Leyland DAF Vehicles), a brand primarily associated with SAIC Motors, one of China’s biggest automakers, joined the local automotive scene.
SAIC Motors also holds ownership of global brands like MG and Maxus. On top of that, LDV is a strategic Chinese automotive partner for major players such as General Motors and Volkswagen.
LDV is well-known for making bakkies, SUVs, and vans. It plans to enter the local market with a lineup of T60 double cab bakkies that will compete with the GWM P-Series, JAC T9, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, Isuzu D-Max, and Nissan Navara, to name a few.
Although not much is known about the T60, LDV expects the first batch to launch in South Africa in May, with a comprehensive 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan as standard.
What we do know, though, is that the T60 range will be powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine with 160kW and 500Nm. We anticipate that LDV will pair this powerplant with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, offering the choice of a 4×2 or 4×4 configuration. This will stack the T60 against serious contenders in the respective segment.
According to LDV, it will be headquartered in Sandton, serving a national network of dealers. At present, the construction of the first LDV dealership in Sandton is complete, and the agreement for a national parts distribution warehouse is nearing completion.
“Few vehicle brands can lay claim to the track record and history of LDV. On a global scale, SAIC and its family of vehicle brands such as LDV dwarf other Chinese vehicle manufacturers, and on a regional scale, LDV has already firmly proven and established itself in right-hand drive markets such as Australia and New Zealand, where it is a very popular brand,” says Ockert Conradie, General Manager at LDV South Africa.
