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Van with no name
Page 18
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As CM reported last week, Birmingham-based van manufacturer LDV has big plans for growth. Andy Salter investigates the new, so far nameless, product that is designed to spearhead the rise in its fortunes.
BIRMINGHAM-BASED LDV' is pinning its hopes on a new model, which it believes could sell 50,000 units a year. These scoop pictures, taken in 1999. show the new LDV undergoing final prototype testing.
At the time the new van was part of a joint venture between LDV and South Korean automotive outfit Daewoo.
As our shots show, it was fully on schedule for its planned launch in 2000, until Daewoo's financial collapse scuppered the original launch timing.
Difficulties
The financial problems at Daewoo have been well-documented elsewhere, but for LDV the biggest effect was the loss of a significant partner.
Under the original deal with Daewoo LDV was to build the van at its Birmingham plant for the UK and the rest of western Europe, while Daewoo was set to build the new vehicle in Poland for the rest of the world, Since Daewoo went into receivership LDV has been engaged in financial negotiations with the various Daewoo administrators. first to secure the intellectual property rights for the sale. manufacture and distribution of the new product worldwide; and secondly to buy the tooling.
Taking aim
Bo h oi these are now in place and the company is preparing for a UK launch next year, followed by a roll-out throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
LDV has an ambitious annual production target of 50,000 units for its stylish new van, although many industry observers are sceptical as to whether this target can be hit in a very crowded market sector.