Longton Avia unveils its first right-hand-drive truck
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By David Wilcox
BRITAIN’S NEW would-be truck manufacturer Longton Avia (CM 8 March) has unveiled its first right-hand-drive vehicle, revealing plans for an urban artic and a revival of the walkthrough design for multi-drop deliveries. The first truck was shown to service dealers in Stokeon-Trent earlier this month.
Longton Avia (UK) is owned by MD Jon Beech, commercial director Jonathan Dale and operations director Stuart Smith. So far, they are the only investors but it is possible that Avia Ashok Leyland, which makes the trucks in Prague, could provide additional funding if this independent UK venture takes off.
Initially, Longton Avia’s D-line 6to 12-tonne GVW trucks are being shipped from Prague, but there are plans to switch to local assembly from completely knocked-down kits.
Avia Ashok Leyland market development manager Safiul Gazi says this becomes viable once annual UK sales reach 100 to 150. Beech says he has identified several potential assembly sites in Stoke. Omnipart of Leyland has been contracted to manage parts logistics in an attempt to avoid the poor aftersales service that occured the first time Avia trucks were imported into the UK between 2002 and 2010. Autohome, a Northamptonbased nationwide vehicle roadside assistance company, is the service partner: new vehicle sales will be handled directly from Stoke.
Longton Avia (UK) has commissioned Staffordshire University to design an urban artic version. Stoke-based Don-Bur is to develop a bespoke trailer for the artic, plus a walk-through van for multi-drop deliveries, based on a cab scuttle. Don-Bur and Stoke-based bodybuilder Commercial Body Specialists are to provide bodies for ready-bodied Longton Avias. As well as the 6to 12-tonne chassis with day, sleeper or crew cabs, Longton Avia will offer 4x4 versions.