The bakkie market in South Africa is hugely important to many manufacturers and it is set to be further populated by a brand new range from Great Britain (via China).
For over 100 years, Leyland Daf Vehicles (LDV) was one of the most prominent British manufacturers of trucks and vans, not only taking a large share of the domestic market but also exporting all over the world.
As is the way with so many automotive brands, the Chinese stepped in when times got tough and LDV was bought by the Shanghai Automobile and Industrial Corporation (now SAIC Corporation), which has steered the company to incredible new heights. SAIC is the largest vehicle manufacturer in China and one of the ten largest vehicle manufacturers in the world by volume; in its home market, SAIC sells more than five million vehicles.
This year, the LDV brand will arrive in South Africa, initially in the form of the LDV T60 bakkie. The brand has enjoyed huge success in Australia, SAIC claiming sales of over 21,000 units in 2023 in the light-commercial segment, and there are high hopes that similar success awaits in SA.
LDV South Africa are planning on introducing a comprehensive model line-up, starting with a range of T60 double cabs. While final powertrain specifications are yet to be announced, the range is expected to arrive with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel powertrain delivering 160kW and 500 Nm, driving through either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed ZF automatic. LDV South Africa will offer a comprehensive 5-year/200 000 km factory warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan as standard, across the product range of SUVs, vans and pick-ups.
Prices will start at R480,000 for the T60 Elite 2WD manual, going up to R790,000 for the T60 MAX LUXE 4WD 8-speed automatic. There will be ten T60 models to choose from – six Elite and Pro and four MAX models – with four-wheel drive standard on the MAX range and optional on the Elite and Pro ranges.
General Manager of LDV South Africa, Ockert Conradie, is confident of success; “We chose the LDV T60 as our first model for several reasons. For one, it has proven itself in demanding markets such as Australia and New Zealand. It also has a full five-star safety rating from Australian NCAP and it is packed with safety and other luxury features that are usually only associated with upmarket passenger vehicles.”
For more information, please visit www.ldvauto.co.za
