LDV is to rebrand as Maxus in the UK and Ireland from April to bring it in line with other European markets.
Maxus was the name of LDV’s first van after it was taken over by Chinese manufacturer SAIC in 2009.
In the UK and Ireland, LDV vans are distributed by the Dublin-based Harris Group, which has now also decided to use the new name.
Denise Harris, CEO of the Harris Group said: “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 the market will welcome the transition.”
The brand is planning a range refresh as well, with the launch of a brand-new model, the Deliver 9, which will be a replacement for the aging V80, featuring a new platform and a 2.0-litre engine.
It will be available with a choice of three lengths, three heights and front- or rear-wheel drive. It’s already available in China, but the European version will be unveiled at the CV Show in April.
At the same time, the electric EV30, which was unveiled at last year’s CV Show, will be renamed E Deliver 3 when it goes on sale later this month. It will cost from £30,000, or £24,000 after the plug-in van grant.
Mark Barrett, general manager of Maxus UK and Ireland said: “Today’s announcement is a significant step for the brand in what is a highly competitive market. 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, 125,000-mile warranty on all new diesel vehicles, which sets us apart from many other manufacturers. And when it comes to EVs, we are able to offer a range of body variants that others can’t yet match.
