ONLY A FEW YEARS AGO, the thought that a van from China would have the effrontery to take on Mercedes-Benz would have been unthinkable. But in a sign of how quickly and dramatically Chinese manufacturers are coming to grips with Western markets, LDV has released a new large delivery van aimed squarely at the local market’s best seller, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter which currently dominates the category with a 31.7 percent share.
Naturally, the primary target market will be large and small Australian businesses, but we at seniordriveraus see the over-50s recognising the value in the new LDV Deliver 9 as a vehicle to go exploring around Australia This is especially true of the cab/chassis variant to which a bespoke RV (motorhome) body can be fitted by independent suppliers.
The all-new Deliver 9 sets fresh benchmarks in the 3.5-8.0-tonne commercial vehicle segment and delivers more for less for sole traders, SMEs, nationally-recognised transport companies and corporate fleets.
“With a laser-like focus on delivering exactly what Australian businesses need in 2020 – space, technology, safety and value-for-money – the all-new LDV Deliver 9 is truly fit for purpose,” says Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV General Manager.
“Despite headwinds, 2020 has seen continued growth for the LDV brand,” continues Chinnappa. “The all-new Deliver 9 is an important building block in our growth strategy, and we’re excited about the opportunity it brings. It is not just a price story. We’ve taken a single-minded approach to safety, connectivity and functionality – in any competitive face-off the all-new Deliver 9 more than holds its own.”
After watching the release presentation, we tend to agree. Especially since the new Deliver 9 comes in at a price just 61.6 percent of the Mercedes-Benz, and handily undercuts other competitors such as the Fiat Ducato, Renault Master and Ford Transit.
Three core variants make up the initial range: the standard wheelbase MR (mid roof); the long wheelbase MR; and the long wheelbase HR (high roof). A cab chassis option, and 11 or 14-seat bus configurations (in mid and long wheelbase, plus mid and high roof guises) are also available.
Powering each variant is LDV’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel producing 110kW and a useful 375Nm from just 1500rpm. Available with stop/start engine technology, and 6sp manual or 6sp automatic transmissions, the rear-wheel drive Deliver 9 is quiet and easy to drive.
Another area we are pleased to see is that all Deliver 9s come with a plethora of safety and convenience features as standard. Autonomous Emergency Braking, Bosch’s latest generation Electronic Stability Control system, Lane Departure Warning, and the full gamut of airbags bring added confidence to everyday driving. That means people whose vans are their workplace will enjoy maximum safety, as will over-50s who decide to use a Deliver 9 for their wanderings.
Meanwhile, Adaptive Cruise Control (on auto transmissions), reverse parking sensors, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 1.2m wide side door, and 180-degree opening rear doors take the stress out of both loading and driving.
Further value for money can be found with the $1500 Option Pack, which adds 236-degree rear opening doors, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and keyless entry to the already extensive standard equipment list.
But it’s space – specifically useable space – that helps set the all-new Deliver 9 apart from the competition.
We know the Deliver 9 delivers more for Australian businesses thanks to a couple of simple formulas: RRP/cubic capacity and RRP/payload.
Take the long wheelbase MR Deliver 9. In layman’s terms it can carry two Australian pallets. Delve deeper and its cubic capacity of 10.97 cm3 and payload of 1670kg (for the manual).
Divide cubic capacity and payload by the $42,095 recommended retail price, and its $3837 cost per m3 and $25.21 cost per kg mean it comprehensively outpoints its rivals.
The target audience of the all-new Deliver 9 is clear: sole traders, SMEs, nationally-recognised delivery companies and corporate fleets. It is expected that these business groups will make up over 90 percent of sales.
To further support these key target audiences, the all-new Deliver 9 is the first LDV model to receive a comprehensive Capped Price Servicing Program.
Business and fleet operators can buy with added confidence, knowing that for three years or 95,000kms (whichever comes first) the all-new Deliver 9 will cost from just $1895 – including GST – to service.
A three-year/160,000km warranty and 82-strong national dealer network give further peace of mind.
“The all-new LDV Deliver 9 wins on three key product truths,” concludes Chinnappa. “It carries more for less, it’s loaded with technology and safety, and it’s the segment price leader.”
“We know our value proposition is better than the opposition, and that we’re more than comparable across a range of key criteria – which is why the all-new Deliver 9 delivers more for Australian businesses.”
Pricing:
The LDV Deliver 9 driveaway pricing starts at $42,095 for the manual LWB Cab/Chassis, auto is $44,726. The MWB mid-roof (auto only) is $43,148; LWB mid-roof manual is $42,095 (manual), $44,726 (auto). The LWB high-roof is $44,200 (manual), $46,831 (auto). The 11-seater mid-roof (auto only) is $55,779 while the LWB mid-roof 14-seater (auto only) is $57,884 and the LWB high-roof 14-seater (auto only) is $59,990. All of these prices are for ABN holders. Non-ABN holders should check local dealers for prices which will be about $2000 higher.