Following the purchase of the assets of the failed West Midlands van maker LDV by a company called Eco Concept Ltd, it seems that the LDV name might yet be seen on new “Maxus” vans built in the West Midlands.
Dr Ou Li, who owns the new company and had previously worked as a consultant for MG Rover, has indicated that a new much smaller scale operation employing around 200 staff could begin producing and assembling low volume, specialist light commercial vehicles again and its hoped trials will begin within 18 months.
It’s understood that none of the existing LDV sites will be used, although, some LDV equipment & machinery might be moved to a new site somewhere in the West Midlands.
After Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska pulled the plug on LDV, it seemed it was definitely the end of the road for LDV particularly, as the downturn, or recession or what ever you call it, has hurt makers of light commercial vehicles throughout Europe, with even the strongest makers being hit hard by falling numbers.
It seems that the new company have secured the co-operation and support from a number of international automotive manufacturers and distributors enabling them to secure lower cost components and develop more fuel efficient powertrains, making the new vans a real viable alternative.
So this is good news and the new company should be commended for its bravery and commitment to going ahead with these plans and this should be welcomed, not just in the West Midlands.
