LDV set to deliver new van in Q4

LDV has announced plans to launch a new, mid-sized van into the Australian market later this year.

The model, which is likely to be based on the V70 people mover pictured, will offer both internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivelines, and three roof height options.

It will sit beneath the Deliver 9 in LDV’s local range, giving it a strong competitor against the likes of Ford’s Transit, Hyundai’s Staria Load and Toyota’s HiAce.

As a likely replacement for the ageing G10 and V80, the new mid-sized van is expected to offer more modern underpinnings and drivelines, including the possibility of a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

It is also predicted many of the newer connectivity, safety and driver assistance technologies offered elsewhere in the SAIC family of brands will find their way into the new light commercial van, giving it the safety credentials required to meet the occupational health and safety targets of a growing number of commercial fleet buyers.

The Chinese brand already has strong fleet partnerships with companies including Aramex, Better Telco Solutions, Couriers Please, Europcar and Toll.

While LDV offered little more in the way of information on its forthcoming model, it did take a moment to reflect on the success of its larger Deliver 9 over the past 12 months.

As a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Renault Master, and Volkswagen Crafter, the LDV Deliver 9 hit first place within its segment in 2022, with sales up an impressive 61.2 per cent over the year prior to 2966 units.

LDV’s G10 sold 3159 units and the V80 562 units over the same period, together achieving a 16.1 per cent segment share. In a market that grew by just three per cent in 2022, LDV’s success is grabbing the attention of segment stalwarts, particularly considering recent supply challenges across the industry.

LDV more than doubled market growth in 2022 (+7.1 per cent) selling a record 16,269 units in Australia.

“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.”