As the LDV light commercial vehicle brand is rebadged MAXUS, the rebrand by the Harris Group, coincides with the launch of two new models; the all-new Deliver 9 and the newest zero-emission offering in the new line-up, the E Deliver 3.
MAXUS, one of the automotive marques from the Chinese SAIC Group has focused for many years on lowering carbon emissions innovation and the creation of light commercial electric vehicles. SAIC’s commitment to the development of alternative powertrain technology has been demonstrated by an investment of almost €750 million and according to Mark Barrett, General Manager of MAXUS UK & Ireland, the market can expect many more ground-breaking innovations over the coming years from the SAIC Motor stable.
“The announcement is a significant step for the brand in what is a highly competitive market,” said Mark. “Until now, LDV has been known as a challenger brand and I believe that this year will see MAXUS emerge as a leading, premium mainstream brand that will deliver on spec, quality, technology and price. We will continue to offer our class-leading, five year 200,000km warranty on all new diesel vehicles, which sets us apart from many other manufacturers. And when it comes to Electric Vehicles, we are able to offer a range of body variants that others can’t yet match. MAXUS is set to become synonymous with electric driving and we’re confident that the MAXUS EV range will be one of the top two selling EV LCVs for 2020,” he said.
Commenting prior to the official on-line launch Mark Barrett, General Manager of MAXUS UK & Ireland said: “2020 is going to be the brand’s biggest year ever with the impending launch of our game-changing diesel panel van, the high-spec Deliver 9 and the arrival to market of MAXUS’ second electric model, the E Deliver 3. With cutting edge design, a brand-new platform and 2.0-litre 163PS/375Nm engine, with 6-speed manual gearbox, the LDV Deliver 9 will be the brand’s most comprehensive and versatile offering to date. Available in a choice of three lengths, three heights and a choice of front or rear wheel drive, this van really is on another level.”
Formerly known as the EV30, the E Deliver 3 is a fully electric small van, emission-free and having an industry-leading battery range, clocking up to 320km (NEDC) / 270km WLTP) range on a single charge (52.5kWh battery). It has been billed as the little brother to the company’s original electric van, the EV80 but is the first vehicle in the range that is only available as a fully electric model.
The current LDV V80 (Euro 6) is one of the most competitively priced LCVs on the road, and will still be available under the LDV badge, while stocks last. Currently MAXUS vehicles are distributed to almost 50 countries and regions across the world.
The MAXUS brand will have no fewer than twelve body styles including the Deliver 9 (L1 H1 / L2 H2 / L3 H2), Campervan/ Motorhome and chassis cab, together with the E Deliver 3 short wheel base and platform chassis.
In 2015, Dublin-based commercial vehicle distributor, The Harris Group, secured the distribution rights to the brand for the UK, Ireland and right-hand drive Europe. The Nass Road, Dublin headquartered company has a strong heritage in commercial vehicles and launched the flagship V80 and electric variant, the EV80 under the LDV badge, which had retained strong brand recognition in the UK and Ireland. The brand has since been firmly re-established in both markets with a loyal following and many marquee clients, supported by a strong dealer network, which is poised for further growth this year.
According to Denise Harris, CEO of The Harris Group, which was founded by her late husband, Pino in the 1960s, now is the optimum time to consolidate the brand as MAXUS enters a new era of automotive excellence. “When it comes to changing a brand name, you have to think very seriously about the benefits and also the possible consequences, and decide if it really is the right thing to do for the brand and the wider business. The LDV brand is much-loved by many loyal customers but, with the advent of new models on new platforms that will undoubtedly change brand perceptions, I am confident that the market will welcome the transition,” she said. “As the MAXUS brand grows, both in China and across Europe, and with more and more models and variants being introduced to the market, it makes sense for us to align with the global MAXUS brand. As a company and main distributor, we are really excited to be part of this evolution and I think that our enhanced offering will inject new life into the LCV market.”