LCV

Following its rebranding from LDV to MA XUS in April, the Chinese automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor has introduced new platform light commercial vehicles with the Deliver 9 fl agship range and e Deliver 3 all-electric mid-sized van.

Available in both standard and luxury models, the DELIVER 9 comes with a very competitive price programme. Boasting the promotional tag-line from its distributors, the Harris Group, ’The pure driving experience’ , the DELIVER 9 is powered by a SAIC Euro 6D 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and 163PS and 375Nm of torque. All models include electric power steering and autonomous emergency braking, as well as a manual DPF regeneration butt on, a feature that fl eet managers will appreciate.

Its practical load area features a heavy-duty bulkhead and rear doors that open to 260 degrees for easy loading. Extra features include low rear step, lashing rings, grab handles and an LED illuminated load compartment.

Inside, a touch-screen-enabled infotainment system means that drivers can stay safely connected while on the road, with Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity at their fi ngertips. Th e high-spec Luxury DELIVER 9 model also includes cutt ing-edge technology features such as mirror link, blind-spot monitors and keyless entry.

Th e DELIVER 9 will be the Harris Group’s most comprehensive and versatile LCV off ering to date. With a choice of front or rear-wheel drive, it’s available in 3 lengths: Long 5940mm, Medium 5546mm and Short 5180mm, and comes with the option of 3 heights: Extra-High 2755mm, High 2535mm and Medium 2385mm. Variants in the DELIVER 9 range cover from crew cab and chassis/platform to minibus models, while a network of specialist converters can also create a bespoke van to cater for all driver and business needs.

Speaking at the launch of new DELIVER 9 model, Mark Barrett , General Manager of Harris Automotive Distributors UC (MAXUS/LDV), said: “MAXUS is a brand that is laying down a marker for the future of motoring. Our new fl agship LCV, the DELIVER 9, exemplifi es MAXUS’ focus on innovation, customisation and reputation. Everything about this van is of superior quality and showcases what we at MAXUS are all about. We want to give everyone a pure driving experience, every time.”

Pricing for the DELIVER 9 starts from €26,341 ex. VAT (RWD, Long hi-roof) and is available to order now for delivery this July.

All MAXUS vehicles come with fi ve years warranty or 200,000 KM (125,000 miles) and include fi ve years roadside assistance cover as standard.

Having appraised the fi rst pre-production models of the then called LDV EV30 mediumsized electric van, the Harris Group, importers and distributors of the Chinese automotive manufacturer SAIC Motors, ensured that when the newly branded MAXUS e Deliver 3 was introduced, it was ready for European markets.

Th e e DELIVER 3 is a fully electric, zero emission light commercial with an impressive range, clocking up to 320km (NEDC)/240km combined WLTP) on a single charge (52.5kWh batt ery). It has been billed as the litt le brother to its predecessor, the EV80, but is the fi rst vehicle by MAXUS that is only available as a fully electric model with no other powertrain options. Th e MAXUS e DELIVER 3 is available in three variants with

eDeliver 3

two wheelbase options: a short wheelbase panel van, a long wheelbase panel van and a long wheelbase platform chassis.

For the MAXUS brand, a strong and ecofriendly image resonates according to Mark Barrett : “2020 has heralded the start of a new era in which we can off er our customers even more variety in terms of zero emission commercial vehicles. Th e e DELIVER 3 marks our entrance into the small commercial vehicle market and is the fi rst van in the MAXUS portfolio that will not off er a diesel engine alternative. For MAXUS, this is proof that green motoring is the future, and the future is now. As part of our commitment to a green motoring industry, we work hard to ensure the right support infrastructure is in place for both current and future customers. Charging points are the key to supporting EV drivers, and without those supports in place, there can be no motoring revolution. It’s something we take very seriously and urge Governments to prioritise in the coming months and years, especially as 2030 targets loom closer. “We’re extremely proud to be in a position to introduce the e DELIVER 3 and despite current economic challenges, we believe this to be MAXUS’ year. Th is is down to our dedicated team, the right partners and a confi dence in our new platform vehicles that remains unshaken,” he said.

Over the last few years, the Harris Group has been paving the way with Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the UK and Ireland following the launch of its fi rst electric van, the EV80 in 2016. Designed with zero emissions technology together with advanced electric power systems and boasting a proven 200km range on a single charge, the EV80 was predicted to be a game-changer among industry experts. Th is proved to be true. Now, the EV80 is a reliable choice for fl eet drivers and decision makers who want to avoid heft y congestion charges, future-proof their business and join the green revolution. Th is means the natural next step for Harris and the MAXUS brand is to off er more options to its customers. With the launch of the e DELIVER 3, there is now even more choice for businesses looking to invest in a green fl eet.

Now is the time to go electric, according to Mark: “Experts estimate that there will be 140 million electric vehicles on the road globally by the end of the decade as a direct result of governments signing the 2030 Paris Climate Agreement. Th is means that in the next ten years, combustion engines will be phased out and everyone - businesses included - will have to think practically and seriously about greener transport options. Th e e DELIVER 3 is a serious contender and off ers among the best value out there for businesses looking to make the switch.”

John McEvoy, COO, Th e Harris Group, added: “We are excited by the potential of the new MAXUS range and truly believe that it represents a game-changer for the commercial vehicle market, especially in relation to the EV sector. We are extremely proud to be part of such an important change in transport infrastructure’s move to a greener environment.” Currently, the Harris Group represents the MAXUS brand in a total of seven territories: the UK, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Malta and Cyprus. Th ere are almost 30 dealers in the UK together with 24 in the Republic of Ireland (exclusive of service-only dealers).

Innovative, thought-leading and futurefocused, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) is the name behind MAXUS and is the largest automotive company in China. Based in Shanghai, SAIC produces almost seven million vehicles each year for both domestic and international markets and is a Fortune Global 500 listed company of almost 100,000 employees. SAIC has a number of well-known brands within its portfolio including, since 2010, the acclaimed MAXUS (formerly LDV) range of LCVs. It has invested more than €2 billion in this brand, with a strong focus on safety, innovation and the introduction of new products to the range, including a suite of EVs that are already sett ing the standard for the future of eco-fuelled commercial motoring.