THE NEW-GENERATION LDV TERRON 9 ute series – with a choice of electric or diesel power – is one step closer to Australian showrooms.
Two prototype examples of the LDV Terron 9 ute are in Australia for final validation testing ahead of local showroom arrivals by mid-2025.
Engineers have been testing the LDV Terron 9 on a range of Australian roads to validate advanced safety systems such as speed-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, and other electronic aids.
The test route has included major arterials and backroads in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as the metropolitan areas and outskirts of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“The purpose of this validation test is to ensure the new-generation LDV Terron ute series is ready for Australian driving conditions,” said LDV Australia General Manager, Dinesh Chinnappa.
“The arrival of these vehicles for final validation testing shows the factory recognises the importance of the Australian market.”
LDV Automotive Australia has today also confirmed the LDV eTerron 9 electric ute and the LDV Terron 9 – powered by a new-generation diesel – will be sold alongside the LDV T60 ute series in Australia.
“We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points,” said Mr Chinnappa.
“We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron ute series will broaden our offering across the ute segment.”
Prices and specifications for the LDV eTerron 9 electric ute and the LDV Terron 9 new-generation diesel ute will be announced closer to Australian showroom deliveries.
“Certain segments of the ute market are not only ready for an electric ute, they’ve been pleading for one. Particularly fleets and mining companies who want a factory-built, turn-key solution straight off the showroom floor, rather than a diesel vehicle that has been converted to electric power,” said Mr Chinnappa.
While the pioneering LDV eT60 electric ute has recorded modest sales in Australia since it went on sale in late 2022 – with approximately 100 examples reported as sold to date – the company has high expectations for the all-new LDV eTerron 9.
“This is a completely different vehicle, inside and out,” said Mr Chinnappa.
“We are proud that the LDV eT60 was the first electric ute in Australian showrooms, but we are also proud to demonstrate just how far electric ute technology has progressed with this all-new model.”
Figures show the LDV Terron 9 ute is longer, wider, taller and roomier than the recently updated LDV T60 Plus.
Dimensions:
MY24 LDV T60 Plus
Length: 5395mm
Width (body): 1900mm
Height: 1819mm
Wheelbase: 3175mm
MY25 LDV Terron 9
Length: 5500mm
Width (body): 1997mm
Height: 1860mm
Wheelbase: 3300mm
Once final validation testing of the LDV eTerron 9 electric ute and LDV Terron 9 new-generation diesel ute are complete, LDV Automotive Australia expects the first shipments to arrive in the second quarter of 2025, pending any delays.