Connaught Engineering, which makes retrofit hybrid systems, has confirmed that it is offering to share its technology with LDV, if the firm can be bought out of administration and start production again.

LDV was already producing an electric-powered Maxus van and bosses at Connaught believe that if production at the Birmingham factory restarts, it can help LDV make a hybrid van which will add to its green credentials.

Connaught CEO Tony Martindale told Fleet News that his company was supporting LDV in administration by offering its intelligent property on hybrid vans for use on the Maxus platform.

He said: “They have the platform and we have the technology. There is an opportunity to fit the hybrid system to the LDV platforms, offering a unique business case for LDV in supplementing the company’s already green credentials, with a production-ready hybrid variant suitable for installation across the range.”

Martindale stressed that Connaught was not putting in money to help buy out the stricken manufacturer but admitted that he was “in discussion with a third party” which at of time of going to press remains unnamed.

Connaught makes the aftermarket Hybrid+ system that claims to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 24.7% and improve fuel economy by 20%.
Prices start at £2,750 ex-VAT fitted.

At present the system can be fitted to Ford Transits and Connaught plans to extend this to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter within nine months