04 Sep LDV CASTS ITS WEB AS TARANTULA GOES INTO PRODUCTION

First mid-size SUV to be joined by new EVs and MPV

31^st August 2018: LDV is set to boost its global market presence with a new model rollout that includes a mid-size SUV along with new additions to its electric vehicle range by 2020, according to Mark Barret, general manager of LDV, UK & Ireland.

Currently renowned for its hard-working V80 range, including the much-lauded EV80 electric vehicle, LDV unveiled Tarantula earlier this year at the Beijing Motor Show, a mid-size SUV that is set to reignite the CV market.  Mark Barrett said, “This launch of this mid-size crossover will position LDV as a true challenger to more mainstream brands in a key market segment for commercial vehicles, and we are really excited by what we saw in Beijing.”

Mark says that the production version Tarantula should be very similar to the concept show car, and it will sit under the D90, which is LDV’s SUV passenger range.  The Tarantula concept features LDV design cues already seen on the D90 SUV, but with an edgier and more contemporary look and feel.  It will be produced with plug-in hybrid and full-electric powertrains as well as traditional internal-combustion engines. Production in China for SAIC’s local market has been confirmed for 2019.

Whilst both petrol and diesel engines are anticipated for the line-up, LDV is focusing heavily on its electric vehicle offering, and Mark Barrett expects an EV version to also hit the market.  Whilst full details are still under wraps, Mark can confirm that the Tarantula concept has a fully electric powertrain with a driving range of 600km, thanks in part to the use of lightweight technology and design.

The platform that underpins the production Tarantula will also form the basis of a future LDV MPV – the G50. The G50 will use a monocoque chassis and will measure around 4800mm long and 1800mm wide, with a 2800mm wheelbase.

LDV vehicles are manufactured by SAIC, the largest automotive company in China, which recently moved up to 36th place on the Fortune Global 500 Companies list.  They are distributed across all right hand drive markets in Europe by Harris Automotive Distributors, a member of the Harris Group, which is head quartered in Dublin.

As part of LDV’s plan to launch a new model or variant every three months through to the end of 2020, SAIC will also roll out an all-new version of its large V80 van and chassis cab that will include an all-electric version.

With the company firmly focused on the future of greener motoring, by 2020 LDV also plans to launch an all-new full electric EV31, as part of the next generation of full electric vehicles from SAIC. The EV31 Platform will have two wheel base options with a cargo volume of4.8m3 and 6.1m3. It will also contain a 70Kw motor and two battery options, 35kW and 53kW, as well as a driving range of up to 200 miles on a single charge.  Timelines for the European launch of the new vehicles from SAIC have not yet been confirmed.

Mark Barret said, “This is a really exciting time for LDV as we look to expand our vehicle range and grow our dealer network right across the country. LDV is a brand that does not stand still and each year is more exciting than the last with new vehicles, variants and innovations and we believe that LDV is the future of motoring.”