Midi set for a new lease of life
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• The Bedford Midi is set for the first major revamp of its five-year life, including the adoption of a European engine and gearbox from the Vauxhall/ Opel stable.
At the Geneva Show, General Motors confirmed that the new driveline was being prepared in time for a 1991 launch. This will increase the European content of the Isuzuderived van, at a time when the impending Single European Market is putting pressure on Japanese producers to maximise local sourcing.
The move follows the news that GKN axles will be fitted to the Midi from 1991 (CM 7-13 December 1989). IsuzuBedford has promised the British government that local Midi content will be steadily improved to about 80% — the current level is about 65%.
Most likely engines for the Midi are the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.3-litre diesel units used in the Carlton, but re-tuned for commercial applications. They will replace Isuzu units of roughly the same capacity which were introduced in 1988; the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel has just been dropped from the UK line-up and may not be directly replaced.
Midi UK sales reached a record 7,460 in 1989; no doubt
Bedford hopes that European entines will win back the fleet buyers who have found the Midi an inadequate substitute for the CF. The company currently holds fifth place in the 1.8-3. 5-tonne sector. CI Bedford's Isuzu-built onetonne Brava pickup is to get a bigger diesel engine next month to replace the current 2.2-litre which, with only 39kW (53hp) on tap, has been criticised for its lack of power.