LDV to launch new mid-size van in late 2023

LDV has confirmed it will add another van to its line-up in the fourth-quarter of 2023.

While it has yet to confirm further details, Wheels understands the recently-revealed Maxus V70 – the brand name for LDV in China and Europe – is the van that is likely to reach local shores.

It will be offered with internal combustion and all-electric options, while three roof height options will be available.

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In 2022, the mid-size van segment was dominated by the long-running Toyota HiAce (8748), followed by the Hyundai Staria Load (3291), LDV G10 (3159) and supply-constrained Ford Transit Custom (1709).

With recent success in the large van category, where the LDV Deliver 9 outsold the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for the first time in two decades, the Chinese brand said it is hoping to “have the same impact” in the smaller segment.

“We expect our new mid-size van will replicate the success of the Deliver 9 and shake up its respective segment,” said LDV Australia general manager, Dinesh Chinnappa.

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LDV also currently sells the older V80 panel van in Australia, with its 562 registrations allowing LDV’s two-pronged range to outsell the Hyundai Staria Load, for a combined 16.1 per cent market share in 2022.

It is unknown if the new van would replace the G10 and V80, or if it’ll be offered as a modern, safer alternative.

It is worth noting that autonomous emergency braking will become compulsory for all new vehicles sold in Australia in March 2025, which is a potentially life-saving technology that the G10 and V80 both currently lack.

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First revealed in December 2022, the Maxus V70 is offered in China as a people carrier or panel van, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and an automatic transmission.

It will be followed by an all-electric version in the coming months, to follow the eDeliver 9, eT60 ute and Mifa 9 people mover launched in Australia late last year.

It has a reported fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km, and is said to ride on a new architecture.

Below: the current 2023 LDV G10 and LDV V80 mid-size vans

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