P VEHICLE LAUNCH
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Chinese vans debut in UK
CHINESE VANS have gone on sale for the first time in the UK. Dongfeng Motor Corporation has appointed Bilbrook, Somerset-based Coastal 4x4 as distributor of its DFM micro vans and singleand double-cab pickups.
The Reggio Porter-rivalling vehicles are all powered by the same 83hp 13litre petrol engine with a f we-speed manual gearbox. Diesel is not an option.
The single-cab dropside pickup comes with a claimed maximum pay load capacity of 900kg and is likely to appeal to builders, says Coastal. A three-way tipper is imminent, while 4x4s and a mini-Luton are all in the pipeline.
"I'd like to be able to sell 50 vehicles this year and gradually build the business to around 1,000 registrations annually in a few years' time," says Cliff Jones. a partner in Coastal, which is now recruiting dealers.
DFM prices start at £6,995, with service intervals set at approximately 10,000 miles. A two-year/30,000mile factory-backed warranty is provided, which might be viewed as a little ungenerous by UK buyers.
Some 240,000 DFMs were sold worldwide in 2009 and Dongfeng aims to sell 300,000 this year.