JUST weeks after signing a partnership agreement with Daewoo to build a new range of light commercial vehicles specialist van maker LDV has announced it is to launch a rebadged Nissan compact van in Britain. First examples of the LDV Cub, based on the Spanish-built Vanette Cargo, are due to arrive in LDV dealers' showrooms on July 13.
Prices have yet to be released, but will be 'competitive'. On-the-road prices for Nissan's version are from £12,776 including VAT. In line with the Nissan product, which remains on sale in Britain, the one-tonne payload Cub will be offered with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty rather than the two-year/100,000-mile package that comes with the larger LDV Convoy and Pilot.
The addition to LDV's line-up is aimed to capitalise on a growing market for MPV-derived panel vans like the Fiat Scudo and Peugeot Expert. The niche sector saw sales of 4,000 units last year and this year's figure is expected to be around the 12,000 mark. LDV anticipates selling 1,000 Cubs in the 2.3-litre diesel-engined model's first full year.
Speaking at the press launch of the Cub, LDV chief executive Allan Amey said: 'What we have announced today is an example of how we can operate as an independent company. We would like to think there will be other opportunities to strengthen our position and broaden our product range, some most probably arising from our relationship with Daewoo, but not all.'
LDV's target market is the small business user, and although the Cub is reasonably well equipped and features Europallet sized sliding doors on both sides plus twin rear doors with 180-degree side hinges, the manufacturer expects a significant number of customers to take advantage of its Special Vehicle Operations facility to customise vehicles to individual requirements.
Prices have yet to be released, but will be 'competitive'. On-the-road prices for Nissan's version are from £12,776 including VAT. In line with the Nissan product, which remains on sale in Britain, the one-tonne payload Cub will be offered with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty rather than the two-year/100,000-mile package that comes with the larger LDV Convoy and Pilot.
The addition to LDV's line-up is aimed to capitalise on a growing market for MPV-derived panel vans like the Fiat Scudo and Peugeot Expert. The niche sector saw sales of 4,000 units last year and this year's figure is expected to be around the 12,000 mark. LDV anticipates selling 1,000 Cubs in the 2.3-litre diesel-engined model's first full year.
Speaking at the press launch of the Cub, LDV chief executive Allan Amey said: 'What we have announced today is an example of how we can operate as an independent company. We would like to think there will be other opportunities to strengthen our position and broaden our product range, some most probably arising from our relationship with Daewoo, but not all.'
LDV's target market is the small business user, and although the Cub is reasonably well equipped and features Europallet sized sliding doors on both sides plus twin rear doors with 180-degree side hinges, the manufacturer expects a significant number of customers to take advantage of its Special Vehicle Operations facility to customise vehicles to individual requirements.
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