Prima goes from 200
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by John Kendall • Leyland Daf Vans, now known as LDV, will drop the Perkins Prima diesel engine from the 200 series this autumn and introduce a range of changes for the 1995 model year. Powerassisted steering will be offered for the first time an alarm system will be available. 200 and manual 400 petrol models also get the Land Rover 380 gearbox.
The Perkins engine will be replaced by the Peugeot XUD9 1.9-litre indirectinjection naturally aspirated engine used in the Bevel range. In this guise, the engine produces 71hp (51kW), compared with 59hp (44kW) from the direct injection Prima.
LDV'S decision, like Rover's to axe the Primapowered Maestro van, is driven by emissions legislation. The naturally aspirated Prima would not pass the next round of light diesel emissions tests due to come into force in January 1995.
LDV is also extending its on-line bodybuilder options. A production line has been installed to produce the high-cube 400 series van, designed for Parcelforce. The company will also offer box, luton, and fridge conversions on line. The full range will be on the market by the end of the year. According to chief executive Allan Amey, speaking at the company's first anniversary, there are no plans to offer a stand-alone bodybuilder service for other makes but the company would not rule it out for the future. LDV will also consider extending its range to around 6.0 tonnes GVW, if there is sufficient demand.
The company also announced "Operation Bulldog", at its anniversary celebrations, a £30 million product renewal programme for the 200 and 400 ranges. The project will bring new products to the LDV range within two years.