China's Maxus van becomes LDV

The Australian importer of Chinese van brand Maxus, WMC, has made the decision to change the brand name to LDV after it discovered the name was already trademarked in this country by MaxiTrans, a trucking equipment supplier.

Sydney-based WMC Group, which already distributes JAC trucks and Higer buses in Australia, will import the new LDV vans in Australia from October.

Maxus vans are constructed by the largest vehicle manufacturer in China, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC).

While the change in name won't affect any business dealing, it's not the ideal situation for Australian importer WMC Group, which released a statement saying the name change will take effect to "avoid a clash of trademarks with an Australian component company which uses the name Maxus for a range of truck and trailer components and consumables".

There were talks behind closed doors "for several months" between WMC and MaxiTrans to try and reach a deal that suited both parties, but ultimately WMC has had to change the Maxus badges to avoid a copyright conflict.

CEO of WMC Group, Jason Pecotic, admitted he was disappointed the Maxus badge won't be worn by the Chinese-made vans, but said it wouldn't detract from the commercial vehicle's October launch.

"The vans are manufactured by SAIC in China and sold around the world under the Maxus name. Whilst we didn't believe there would have been any confusion, we are excited to be using the LDV name with the new range in Australia," said Mr Pecotic.

"LDV reflects the European heritage and design of the vans and we believe Australian buyers will embrace the brand because of the excellent value, engineering quality and equipment levels they will offer," he added.

The front-wheel drive LDV V80 vans will be powered by 100kW/330Nm 2.5-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engines made by VM Motori, an Italian engine supplier.

Offered in short and long wheelbase lengths, with payload capacities of up to 1.8 tonnes, there will be seven models offered in total, with regular and tall roof options.

Load capacities will range between nine and 14 cubic metres, says WMC, and a 'luxury' passenger-carrying version is on the cards too, with seating for 11 people.

Though pricing and specification has not been divulged, the vans are expected to undercut rival vehicles from Toyota and Hyundai, and will be sold through 25 dealers nationwide.

WMC has confirmed a couple of features for the Australian market, such as tyre pressure monitoring, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear barn doors, dual sliding doors and door integrated electric entry steps.

There has been a cloud hanging over the safety of Chinese-made vehicles, perceived or otherwise, but WMC says the LDV V80 will meets European crash and safety standards, though hasn't supplied a projected ANCAP rating.

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