The AA chose Maxus for the initial trial in 2008, and have been delighted with the performance, reliability and low running costs of the initial 6 vans.

The vans are fully fitted with fuel retrieval pumping systems designed by Whale Tankers to give roadside assistance to motorists who have put the wrong fuel in. The service saves the customer the cost and inconvenience of being towed to a garage to have the tank emptied and flushed out.

Bush Fire, a fire protection engineering company in Middlesex, turned to LDV’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department to design a bespoke unit to test dry riser systems in high rise buildings.

The metallic silver fire van was based on a 2.8 tonne short wheelbase MAXUS chassis cab. The customised vehicle was required to contain a 1,000 litre water tank, pressurised water pump, hose pipes and fire extinguishers, all accessible behind roller shutter doors.

Bush Fire provides companies with a service to test the effectiveness of dry riser systems in order to meet the requirements of insurance companies and fire and licensing authorities. The procedure ensures all fire safety equipment is functioning correctly should a fire occur.

Bush Fire’s Andy Brind explains. “Most fire protection companies usually use old fire engines to do this, but we wanted a unique, purpose built vehicle that was much smaller and could operate far more effectively in confined city centre locations.

“We briefed LDV to design what is essentially a mini fire engine. The SVO team were brilliant, we knew what we wanted and they enhanced our ideas and provided a quick and professional service.”

The MAXUS vehicle was also modified to include scene lights on the side and low level mark lighting at the back to illuminate the working area.

The unique SVO department at LDV provides a specialist design facility allowing customers the opportunity to customise their MAXUS vehicles.   

Gary Nash, SVO sales manager, said: “This recent project clearly demonstrates the capabilities of the SVO department in delivering highly unique MAXUS vehicles.”

The MAXUS minibuses will provide Guillemont Junior School in Farnborough with greater flexibility to safely transport its pupils on six annual residential trips and numerous daily excursions. Each vehicle was fitted with a roof rack and ladder access for additional storage.

Safety was an important consideration as headteacher Barbara Cook explained: “We have a commitment to parents to provide a vehicle that is both reliable and safe. We have had various minibus models in the past but have found the MAXUS minibus offers us additional safety features. The vehicle feels solid on the road but light to drive.

“We are very pleased with the service and lease agreement arranged by Town and Country Vans and where possible like to support local businesses,” concluded Barbara.

The 17-seat MAXUS minibus will also be hired out to other surrounding schools and children’s community groups during off peaks times.

Tim Stringer, Town and Country Vans’ leasing manager added: “The MAXUS minibus offers educational establishments a variety of seating options.  All seats are forward facing, with ‘all generation’ lap and diagonal seatbelts and the buses also feature ABS and EBD brakes.”
 
Town and Country Vans, which is based on Ash Street, Ash in Aldershot offers the regions’ van operators both new and used LDV vans and servicing. For further information on Town and Country Vans, telephone 01252 796 970.

PyeHire, established in 1960, has successfully grown to offer an extensive range of vehicles including cars, minibuses, commercial vehicles and specialised self drive derivatives.

The introduction of MAXUS Van Rental Programme will help to enhance PyeHire’s offer to customers.  The PyeHire’s MAXUS fleet will include long and short wheel base vans, minibuses, tippers, specialist chilled vans and the brand new extended frame MAXUS Luton. Plans to unveil the MAXUS sport van for hire are expected in 2009.

Steve Turner, PyeHire’s manager says the brand new fleet of MAXUS vehicles are highly specified with the latest powerful, economical diesel engines, offering savings on fuel compared to older vehicles.  MAXUS also offers class leading payloads across the range reducing the risk of vehicles being overloaded.

He said: “We believe the combination of the MAXUS Van Rental programme and Pye Hire’s expertise and service will expand our customer base.
“We aim to constantly provide a high standard of service and strive to maintain the highest specification of vehicles for our customers, ensuring they have the best vehicle for the job. “

Mark Beckley, LDV’s dealer business manager added: “LDV has always been strong in the rental market and the expanding range of MAXUS vans, factory built minibuses and dropsides, Lutons are proving to be very successful. The MAXUS Van Rental programme is fully backed by the factory giving customers that extra reassurance.”

To accommodate the increased range, PyeHire is relocating its office to the front of its premises on Ovangle Road providing customers with easier access to vehicles.  This is at the same location as LDV dealership, Pye Motors in Morecambe.

Gloucester-based Watts Truck and Van Centre will supply three 3.5 tonne vans, two 2.8 tonne vans, a dropside and a tipper to Atrium Conservatories. Atrium makes hand-crafted conservatories for customers throughout the UK in a range of styles from contemporary to Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian.

The order is worth £150,000 at showroom prices.  Hereford-based Atrium will use the new vehicles within its manufacturing and building division.  The company currently has a fleet of 13 vehicles and is looking to change to an all-MAXUS fleet.

Speaking of the order, Atrium’s managing director Bernard Rump said: “In today’s economic climate the decision to purchase vehicles cannot be taken lightly and we undertook a lot of research in advance of our purchase.  LDV’s MAXUS product was chosen because it offers excellent reliability and value for money and also has the great back-up of LDV dealer Watts. 

Gary Davies, Watts Van sales manager said: “This is another great order for our dealership and demonstrates our ability to look after both retail and business customers like Atrium.”

LDV sales and marketing director, Dmitry Ivaschenko added: “This recent sale clearly confirms the flexibility of the MAXUS range and the service customers can expect from our LDV dealerships.”

Watts Truck and Van Centre stocks both new and used LDV MAXUS vehicles.  The dealership offers servicing and parts and is also a VANfit stockist – the UK’s fastest growing parts brand for light commercial vehicles.

The dedicated 120PS MAXUS chassis cabs will deliver and install a variety of non mains and mains connected portable toilet units across East Anglia. The vehicles have been customised to include a tail lift and 1,250 litre water tank.

Carter Cabin Hire is East Anglia’s largest independently owned portable accommodation suppliers. Established in 1998, the company also specialises in the hire and sale of jackleg and anti-vandal cabins, steel containers, showers and modular buildings.

The best in class load space and payload were crucial factors when Carter Cabin was choosing to update its transport fleet as Dave Carter, Carter Cabin Hire managing director explained.

“Over the years we have used a variety of different models but found the MAXUS chassis cabs to offer the best payload and space to meet our needs. We have already received positive feedback from our drivers who have all commented on its comfortable driving experience.

 “Ford and Slater Peterborough provided a thorough service and comfortably met our delivery deadlines,” said Dave.

Ian Joyce, franchise manager at Ford and Slater Peterborough, added: “The MAXUS chassis cabs offer our customers a variety of derivatives including tippers, dropsides and Lutons. The excellent payload of up to 1540 kg for the dropside, a choice of three powered engines and a class leading ownership package and warranty make the MAXUS chassis cabs the ideal choice for businesses. 

Ford and Slater Peterborough is based on Newark Road, Peterborough, supplying both new and used MAXUS vehicles. The dealership also offers servicing, parts and MAXUS Assist roadside recovery.  For further information call 01733 295000. Ford and Slater has dealerships in Lincoln, Leicester, Norwich and Coventry.

The fully driveable prototype is currently on test with key customers, as the company finalises specifications, launch plans and markets across Europe.

The new electric vehicle prototype has been developed by GAZ Group's UK business, LDV Group. 

Unveiling the new prototype, LDV's chief executive, Evgeniy Vereshchagin, said: “The ECV1 has been designed to maximise safety whilst optimising loadspace and payload, with batteries ideally packaged between the chassis rails.  At the request of major fleet customers, the driver interface has the minimum level of change from a diesel vehicle, so driver retraining is limited to just a few minutes.  The vehicle is powered by lithium-ion batteries and can also be offered with different options of payload, range and top speed.”

The vehicle on the stand has been specified by a major home delivery fleet operator with the following specification:

• Payload of up to 1446 kg
• Five-speed manual transmission
• Top speed of 55 miles per hour
• Range of 85 miles
• Excellent packaging with the battery located between the chassis rails, which allows safe weight distribution
• Short battery recharge time of four hours for full battery with 80 per cent recharge in two hours (3 phase)
• Ultra simple maintenance
• The vehicle utilises the gearbox giving maximum torque for all speeds
• There is an option to have just forward and reverse

Mr Vereshchagin said that rising fuel costs were rapidly reducing the payback period of electric vehicles compared with diesel models: “Today has never been a better time for large fleets with urban-based delivery operations to consider electric vehicles.  Our responsibility as a manufacturer is to look to the future and in particular the effects carbon emissions and vehicle pollutants are having on the environment.

“We believe that an electric vehicle that boasts zero CO2 emissions, with a top speed of 55 miles per hour will be extremely popular across many European markets.”

For further information on the MAXUS range and the new electric vehicle prototype visit www.maxus.com.

“We have transformed the MAXUS product range from just a van, to a full range of panel vans, window and crew vans, chassis cabs and also minibuses,” he said.  “The latest product to come off the MAXUS production line is our extended frame chassis.  It is available direct from the factory with both Aero Luton and dropside bodies that are covered by our full manufacturer's warranty. The factory built dropside delivers a load bed length of 4.2 metres with a class leading maximum payload of 1448kg, which is up to 200kg above key competitors.

“We have invested in new products, improved product design and features and installed world class manufacturing processes and systems to improve manufacturing efficiency by some 40 per cent.”

Since its acquisition of LDV, GAZ Group has employed a further 218 people within the Birmingham-based MAXUS headquarters and manufacturing plant. A second factory will be opened in Russia in 2010 which is expected to produce around 45,000 vehicles per year. The UK factory will support the expansion of sales outside of the CIS and the combined volume from both plants will increase the global competitiveness of the MAXUS brand.

Speaking about the company's latest acquisition, Mr Vereshchagin said: “We are investing in the latest technology for both our production systems and vehicle range. The joint acquisition of VM Motori with GM gives us access to the latest diesel engine technology, but with the pressures to reduce the environmental impact and cost of diesel engines, we are also investing in alternative fuels. 

“Today on the stand we have the MAXUS ECV1, an advanced prototype electric powered vehicle, which is already in testing with key fleet customers.  This vehicle has been designed to maximise safety and optimise loadspace and payload, with batteries ideally packaged between the chassis rails.  At the request of major fleet customers, the driver interface has the minimum level of change from a diesel vehicle, so driver training is minimised.  The vehicle can also be offered with different options of payload, range and top speed.”

In order to deliver new products to market, the company is transforming its distribution network and developing further partnerships with dealers and importers across the world.

Mr Vereshchagin said: “Since the last time we were at Hanover, we have launched in Russia, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey and Malaysia.  By the end of this year we will have added Poland and the Czech Republic with plans for another 10 markets in the next 12 months. 

“We are now actively looking for partners in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.  We are building a network of specialist commercial vehicle dealers offering market leading aftersales, parts and service support, reducing cost of ownership and vehicle downtime.

“This has resulted in our sales outside of the UK have growing from just over 1,000 units last year to over 6,000 this year and we are only just launching in many key markets.”

For LDV, as part of the GAZ Group, the future is an extremely exciting one, with eyes firmly on new markets and an expanding product range.

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

Notes to editors:

About LDV: LDV Group is the only dedicated light commercial vehicle manufacturer in the UK, producing the award winning MAXUS range of light commercial vehicles. Based in Birmingham and employing approximately 1,000 people, LDV became a wholly owned subsidiary of GAZ International, part of the GAZ Group in July 2006. More information can be found at www.MAXUS.com

About GAZ Group: GAZ Group holds leading positions on the Russian market of commercial vehicles with a diversified product portfolio including a wide range of light commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, construction equipment, cars, power train and its components. It operates 18 large production facilities in Russia and the UK. GAZ Group consolidated revenue in 2007 was just under USD $6.0 billion. GAZ Group is a publicly traded company at the Russian Stock Exchange (ticker: GAZA) and has a majority shareholder OJSC “Russian Machines”, a subsidiary of Basic Element Co.

About VM Motori: VM Motori is a diesel engine engineering and manufacturing organization based in Cento Italy. It currently has 1,200 employees producing seven automotive and marine engine families for customers around the world. More information can be found at www.vmmotori.it

Further information on the joint venture with GM can be found at http://eng.gazgroup.ru/news

The Birmingham-based van maker is launching the new Extended Frame range in its Chassis Cab, Dropside and Luton derivatives.   The extended frame extends the existing long wheelbase Chassis Cab by an extra 750mm.

The September 1, 2008 launch comes on the back of a celebrated history for LDV in the Chassis Cab market.  Its Convoy range of Chassis Cabs was market leader across many derivatives and the company is confident it can repeat this with its new MAXUS models.
All Chassis Cabs and Dropsides will come with a choice of a 95PS, 120PS or 135PS engine, with the Luton available with a 120PS or 135PS engine. 

The Extended Frame range features an uprated rear axle, with the plated weight increasing to 2300KG from the standard 2120KG.  There is also an uprated wheel and tyre assembly, which is changed to 205/75/R16 10 ply.  Despite these significant improvements, the MAXUS Extended Frame Dropside and Luton vehicles are both only £450 more than standard Dropside and Luton models.  Further new features include:

• New longer electrical harness
• Rear parabolic spring – the increased free height improves departure angle
• CAT 6 side repeaters
• New long arm mirrors

The new Extended Frame shares the same high level of specification as the rest of the MAXUS range including:

• Power adjusted and heated door mirrors
• Rear fog lamps
• CD/radio with MP3 compatibility
• ABS & EBD
• Driver airbag
• Engine immobiliser
• Remote central locking
• Fully adjustable driver’s height rise, tilt and reclining seat
• Underfloor spare wheel carrier

The launch of the Extended Frame brings the number of MAXUS derivatives to well over 100 and LDV is confident the new vehicles will meet the needs of even more customers. 

Guy Jones, marketing director, said: “The newly launched Extended Frame range will provide our customers with a class-leading payload of up to 1,474kg alongside an internal load length of 4.20 metres for the Extended Frame Dropside and 4.02 metres for the Luton. 

“We are extremely proud to design and manufacture our vehicles in the UK for   all of our export markets.  With the backing of our parent company, GAZ Group, we have been able to consistently deliver an increasingly wide range of vehicles to the market in the last two years while at the same time investing in our Birmingham plant to increase product quality and reliability.  With LDV, customers benefit from our ‘one stop shop’ approach offering factory built vehicles straight from the production line without the need for a lengthy external conversion.”

All vehicles will come with MAXUS ONE, LDV’s industry leading four year/120,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty (covering both chassis and rear bodies) as well as MAXUS Assist which provides roadside assistance in the UK and Europe for two years. 

The 3.5 tonne refrigerated MAXUS vans were supplied by Pye Motors to Clifton Quality Meats, with a further four vehicles confirmed for later this year.

Clifton Quality Meats, established in 1996, is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high quality meat, poultry, game, cooked meats and fresh fish. The company delivers to all sectors of the leisure industry including hotels, restaurants and pubs plus local government offices and NHS establishments. Employing over 60 trained individuals, the wholesaler operates from two depots in Blackpool and Leeds.

Pye Motors coordinated the full fridge conversions on the long wheel based vehicles as part of Clifton’s three year vehicle replacement programme.  Stephen Hellewell, Clifton Quality Meats’ managing director said: “We are delighted to add the MAXUS vans to our delivery fleet. The vehicles demonstrate excellent value for money and we have put in place a three year replacement programme which will bring significant savings on our vehicle repairs.

“Pye Motors arranged for a vehicle trial which resulted in positive feedback from our drivers who commented on driving performance and vehicle comfort.

“We are very pleased to have met Clifton Quality Meats’ requirements,” added Tony Sullivan, Pye Motors’ sales specialist. “This clearly demonstrates how class-leading cost of ownership and driver comforts can benefit businesses. We look forward to working with Clifton Quality Meats in the future.”

Pye Motors Ltd based on Ovangle Road, Morecambe stocks both new and used LDV MAXUS vehicles, offering service and parts and is a VANfit stockist – the UK’s fastest growing parts brand for light commercial vehicles. To contact the dealership call 01524 598598.

For further information on the LDV MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

Picture caption: l-r

02 - Stephen Hellewell, Clifton Quality Meats’ managing director receiving his keys from Tony Sullivan, Pye Motors’ sales specialist.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help (SSAFA) has received a 15 seat wheelchair accessible MAXUS minibus as part of an LDV sponsorship scheme, to transport wounded personnel and families upon return to the UK.

SSAFA is a national charity committed to supporting servicemen and women, including those injured in conflict. The charity provides a caring and trusted service through its professionally trained team and network of 7,000 volunteers to more than 50,000 people each year.

Upon their return from operations, badly injured service personnel are taken to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine based at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. The donated vehicle will be used on a daily basis transporting patients and families between the hospital and the charity’s accommodation for relatives.

SSAFA Forces Help’s director of services support, Liz Sheldon, said: “We are absolutely delighted that LDV is helping to support our injured personnel and their relatives. The minibus will provide much needed assistance to the families at what can be a very difficult time.”

John Ball, LDV’s direct supply fleet manager added: “SSAFA provides such a valuable service to our Armed Forces. We are more than happy to donate our MAXUS wheelchair accessible 15 seat minibus so that they can continue their good work.”

LDV presently supplies the MOD with MAXUS Bi-purpose vehicles of six and nine seat derivatives under the White Fleet Contract.

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

The charity was established in 1995 and provides medical supplies and supports humanitarian aid projects for hundreds of Belarus children whose health is still affected from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear explosion.
There are over 30 charity groups operating throughout England, Scotland and Wales and each year the groups provide recuperative holidays in the UK for about 400 Belarus youngsters.
The health of the young people can be considerably improved following a   few weeks of fresh air and uncontaminated food, explained Pat Brown, CCP (UK) Rugby branch coordinator.
She said: “We are very grateful to local businesses like LDV who support our excursions. We felt it was beneficial for the group to visit a Russian-owned business that is successfully operating in the UK.
“Everyone was very helpful and the youngsters found the morning quite fascinating.”

Barry Harridence, LDV’s service support manager added: “We are delighted to support such a worthwhile charity and wish them an enjoyable trip.”
The Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK) groups continually raise money for the holidays and to fund aid convoys. To make a donate visit www.chernobyl-children.org.uk.

Birmingham van maker LDV has introduced the new rental service to many of its UK network of dealers allowing them the opportunity to expand their businesses and enter new markets.

The rental service offers local businesses and the general public a comprehensive range of vans, minibuses and chassis cabs. Available on a flexible rental term from as little as £49 per day, the vehicles provide excellent driver comfort and performance.

Chatfields says the launch of the new service will provide a rental solution that is flexible, dependable and affordable. Ron Ball, Chatfields dealer principal said: “The growing success of the LDV MAXUS product range has allowed us to enhance our customer offering.

“We are delighted to have already secured prestigious customers including Birmingham City Council, DHL and Birmingham Heartlands Hospital and look forward to increasing our business.”

The brand new vehicles come with the latest specification ensuring the best in driver comfort and performance. The fleet is maintained by MAXUS trained technicians and supported by MAXUS Assist, the company’s unique 24/7 roadside assistance service.

Guy Jones, LDV’s retail sales director added: “The new service provides our dealers with a further way to increase their business which goes beyond just light commercial vehicle businesses. We believe the swift response of Chatfields reinforces the success of the service and the MAXUS brand.”

The suppliers have all recently been awarded contracts by LDV and its Russian parent company GAZ Group to supply parts for the entire life of the MAXUS range of light commercial vehicles. The range is currently built in Birmingham, with Russia beginning production in 2010.

Andy Beard, LDV’s purchasing director, said the awards were the rubber stamp of approval for suppliers, providing much needed stability in a volatile automotive industry: “We work with some of the best suppliers in the world.  In January 2008 we put in place a partnership supply agreement and our ceremony at the factory was to underline this agreement going forward.”

The suppliers at the awards included Midlands-based companies Caparo, B2 Automotive, Pektron and DANA.  Also at the event was Bergstrom based in Wales and from international markets, VM Motori, Unisia JKC, OCAP, TRW and ThyssenKrupp.

Michael Straughan, LDV’s operations director, said that since the purchase of LDV by GAZ Group in 2006, the company was in a much better position to provide stability for both the workforce and suppliers: “Alongside LDV, local suppliers are also doing fantastically well from our new position.  B2 Automotive for example has gone from a small niche supplier of automotive components to having the opportunity to provide some 200,000 parts a year to GAZ Group in Russia.

“There are now many more vehicles being built in Birmingham for western Europe and Russia and as we head towards local production in Russia, we will rely on our suppliers more and more to work in partnership with us.  Today’s ceremony was a celebration of this relationship and a chance to discuss future opportunities.”

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

West Midlands Hire and Haulage has taken delivery of 11 MAXUS chassis cabs comprising six dropsides and five Lutons as part of its two year replacement programme.

The Midlands hire company has remained a strong supporter of the MAXUS product range since its launch in 2005. With branches in Smethwick and Dudley, West Midlands, Hire and Haulage operates a fleet of 165 vehicles including cars, vans and trucks for both short and long term hire.

Speaking of the recent purchase, Roy Langford, managing director at West Midlands Hire and Haulage, said: “We have always found the MAXUS vehicles to be reliable and fit-for-purpose and have received positive feedback from customers.  We are presently undergoing a vehicle replacement programme and the new chassis cabs are the ideal vehicles to drive this project forward.”

“Imperial Commercials has always provided us with an excellent service and coupled with the fact that we like to buy British we have no reason to choose an alternative brand,” concluded Roy

John Asbury, Imperial Commercials’ franchise manager, added: “LDV chassis cab launch has allowed us to enter new markets and we can now offer our customers a complete range of light commercial vehicles with very competitive service packages. We are very happy to have continued to meet West Midlands Hire and Haulage’s expectations.”

Imperial Commercials is based on Park Road, Halesowen.  The dealership supplies both new and used LDV vehicles and offers servicing, parts seven days a week plus VANfit roadside recovery.  For further information call 01384 424500.

Collease Truck & Trailer Rentals operates a fleet of 3,000 vehicles from its eight national locations. The Ipswich branch on Lodge Lane is the first to include the recently launched MAXUS Van Rental service to its range.

The new MAXUS rental service offers  businesses and the general public a comprehensive range of vans, minibuses and chassis cabs which are available on a flexible rental term from as little as £49 per day.

Collease Truck & Trailer Rentals in Ipswich says the expansion of its service will provide its rental customers with greater choice. Chris Amis, general manager said: “We believe this new addition clearly demonstrates the growing success and performance of the LDV MAXUS product range and comfortably matches our business standards.

“We are constantly investing in renewing our fleet to maintain the highest specification of vehicles for our customers, ensuring they have the best equipment for the job. The MAXUS range provides excellent driver comfort and performance which will meet our customer expectations.”

The fleet is maintained by MAXUS trained technicians and supported by MAXUS Assist, the companies unique 24/7 roadside assistance service.

Guy Jones, LDV’s MAXUS retail sales director added: “The success of the growing MAXUS product range has allowed LDV to develop the MAXUS van rental facility. The service will provide our dealers and rental providers with an enhanced customer service offering which goes beyond just light commercial vehicle businesses.

Collease Trucks & Trailer Rental Ipswich is located at LDV dealership, Norfolk Trucks. The company was established over 30 years ago with branches in Ipswich, Norwich, Enfield, Felixstowe, Dagenham, Southampton, Leighton Buzzard and Manchester. The fleet comprises trailers, panel vans and minibuses through to tractor units, specialist multi-compartment refrigerated trucks, tippers and crane vehicles.

To find your nearest MAXUS rental dealer visit www.maxusrental.com or telephone 0800 400 407 for an instant quote.

Grimsby Van Centre welcomed Councillor Stewart Swinburn Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire to its official relaunch as the van dealership increased its vehicle offering to include brand new LDV MAXUS vehicles to its existing services.  

The family run, South Humberside Industrial Estate dealership was established in 1998, when it joined forces with its existing sister company which had over 30 years of automotive experience. The dealership provides a specialist service for only used LDV light commercials vehicles plus extended servicing appointments and VANfit, a dedicated all-makes parts replacement service.

The recent expansion has seen Grimsby Van Centre make a number of improvements to its showroom and workshops to cater for the complete range of new LDV MAXUS vehicles. These include the MAXUS chassis cab, the MAXUS minibus range and the mostly recently launched MAXUS dedicated school bus and Aero Luton.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn was delighted to be invited to the relaunch. He said: “I am very pleased to see a local business continuing to add investment in our region. The MAXUS range offers van operators a comprehensive choice of vehicles to meet all business needs.  I wish Grimsby Van Centre the very best of success in its new venture.”

Allan McCartney, Grimsby Van Centre's managing director, added: “We are looking forward to growing our MAXUS brand. LDV has excellent warranty and ownership packages and provides excellent value for money. The MAXUS range continues to expand which will now allow us to enter new markets locally.”

For further information on Grimsby Van Centre and the LDV MAXUS range visit www.grimsbyldv.com or call 01472 268481

The new 3.5 tonne Aero Luton delivers an affordable cube van into the market, providing customers with an impressive 15.6 cubed metre volume.  It's also an ideal vehicle for either box or refrigerated derivatives.

Evgeniy Vereshchagin, LDV Group's new chief executive said the Aero Luton provides yet another reason for customers to turn to the MAXUS range to meet their vehicle requirements:  “The Aero Luton is a fantastic example of the great vehicle building qualities housed at our Birmingham factory.  Our aim is to continue to expand the range to meet the needs of every type of customer.”

The new model includes all the driver-like comforts and vehicle features of the current MAXUS range and comes with the following as standard:

• 120PS engine
• Ratcliffe Tailift
• ABS with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution)
• Driver's airbag
• Power adjustable and heated mirrors
• Electronic windows
• CD player with MP3 compatibility
• Height rise driver's seat

The Aero Luton is the result of a successful collaboration with JC Payne, producers of truck bodies, and the vehicle demonstrates how LDV Group can work with leaders in the field to deliver even more choice for customers.

Every 2008 MAXUS Aero Luton comes with MAXUS ONE, a comprehensive support package which covers all aspect of vehicle ownership including a 120,000 mile/four year warranty and a two year MAXUS Assist European roadside recovery programme as standard.

For further information on the MAXUS chassis cab range visit www.maxus.com.

Norfolk Trucks welcomed The Worshipful The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Inga Lockington to officially unveil Ipswich’s new LDV dealership.

The official opening sets the wheels in motion for the dealership’s ‘vantastic’ charity fundraising event. Norfolk Trucks has pledged to donate £75 for every MAXUS vehicle sold from its official launch till the end of 2008.

Councillor Inga Lockington is pleased that a new business has chosen such a worthy charity. “I am delighted to see that Norfolk Trucks are not only offering Ipswich’s van operators a comprehensive LDV MAXUS service but are also willing to raise such valuable funds for sufferers and families of Parkinsons. I wish the dealership great success and look forward to hearing their progress.”

Norfolk Trucks, based on Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham, stocks the complete range of both new and used LDV MAXUS vehicles. The dealership provides servicing and parts and is a VANfit stockist – the UK’s fastest growing parts brand for light commercial vehicles.

Gary Bush, Norfolk Trucks sales director, said: “We are looking forward to growing the MAXUS brand within the region. LDV’s excellent warranty packages and cost of ownership allows us to find a vehicle to meet all van operators’ needs.”

For further information on Norfolk Trucks and the LDV MAXUS range visit www.ipswichldv.com or call 01473 834200.

The Prestige Sport Van is the result of a collaboration between LDV Group and Prestige Motor Homes, a specialist motor home manufacturer and importer based in Droitwich.  The 2.8 tonne MAXUS vehicle is designed for the weekend traveller and comes fully loaded for a fun trip away. 

Features on the black MAXUS include:

• Double bed
• Dining area
• Entertainment system including CD player with MP3 compatibility and TV DVD satellite entertainment system
• Full fitted kitchen with three burner hob, sink and fridge
• Exterior styling includes roof rails, stainless steel nudge bars and rear door ladder

The second collaboration sees the company join forces with BVS UK and Bollanti to introduce a new private ambulance into the market.  The MAXUS ambulance is less than 3.5 tonnes fully loaded, a unique attribute for the ambulance market.  The 120PS long wheel base vehicle is built to CEN 1789 standards and comes with a five year warranty.

Features include:

• Haztech LED light bar and siren system
• Lateral hydraulic pull down suspension and wedge ramp
• Durable Kevlar reinforced saloon
• Electric windows
• Electric adjusted and heated mirrors
• CD player
• Tailored interior
• Configurable patient access
• Accommodates all stretcher types

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

A three-year joint project between Post Office Limited and LDV Group has seen the two companies design a dedicated rural mobile van that comes fully equipped with everything you would expect to see in your local high street post office.  Forty vehicles of this type will soon be in service.

The MAXUS long wheel base 95PS panel vans are a testament to the company's unique special vehicle operations department (SVO), which was central to the success of the project.

John Ball, LDV's direct supply fleet manager, said the vehicles are fully specified to meet every requirement of a modern post office.  “Our brief was to accommodate all Post Office equipment and electronic services into a compact secure counter within our 3.5 tonne MAXUS van. Prototypes were designed, built and then tried and tested before the finished model, as seen at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show, was produced.”

Customers enter the mobile unit via the rear door.  The unit can accommodate up to six adults and includes provisions for wheelchair access. The interior is fully insulated and includes heating and ventilation for the comfort of the customers and counter clerk.

Security and power provisions are crucial for the service to operate in remote locations. John said: “A fully independent inverter system has been installed to transfer power from the onboard auxiliary batteries into mains voltage to power the equipment.  This in turn operates the Horizon computer which provides customers with the full range of services available at a 'normal' post office.”

A number of covert security features, tinted glazing and a wide entrance step with secure grab rails are fitted to provide a safe and secure environment for the staff and customers.

To accommodate a seamless service, GSM mobile communication is installed for use in remote locations. Information can then be transferred while at the remote location via a wireless modem and then fully downloaded when the vehicle returns to base, where the auxiliary batteries are recharged overnight.

Steve Fox, concept manager at Post Office Limited, led the project.  He said. “The mobile post office is an essential part of our Outreach Programme, which offers innovative services to various communities.  LDV's SVO department's flexible approach and creative ideas have made this project come to life and we're looking forward to seeing more MAXUS mobile post offices on the road very soon.”

For further information on the MAXUS range and the service provided by the SVO department visit www.maxus.com

MAXUS ONE from Birmingham-based LDV Group is a new comprehensive support package for retail vehicle operators, which encompasses all elements of MAXUS vehicle ownership.  Benefits include:
 
o Manufacturer backed warranty of four years/120,000 miles
o MAXUS Assist roadside assistance including European recovery for two years
o Access to a competitive service package from £0.50 per day
o Access to a repair and service package from £1.50 per day
o Parts availability 24 hours a day, with a competitive 12 months warranty
o Access to MAXUS Insurance, which is backed by HSBC with competitive rates across all trades
o The support of an extensive dealer network comprising 135 centres with an average 20 minute drive time

MAXUS ONE is automatically included with all 2008 model year MAXUS purchases and is designed to keep drivers on the road.

Evgeniy Vereshchagin, LDV Group's chief executive says the new package demonstrates the company's commitment to making MAXUS ownership effortless, reliable and hassle-free for customers. “MAXUS ONE has been designed with the customer needs in mind bringing together all aspects of commercial vehicle ownership.  Ultimately our intention is to keep customers' vehicles and businesses on the road, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.”

For MAXUS school bus customers an additional 'peace of mind' package can accompany MAXUS ONE. The affordable supplement extends the ownership support package by a further four years/80,000 miles.

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com

The company's chief executive, Evgeniy Vereshchagin, announced the exciting initiatives to the press on the first day of the show.  He said: “Our responsibility as a manufacturer is to look to the future and in particular the effects carbon emissions and vehicle pollutants are having on the environment as a result of the whole life of our range of light commercial vehicles.

“I am delighted to announced that LDV Group is one of a consortium of British companies led by motorsport specialist, Prodrive, which have joined forces to develop a DC-DC converter for use in automotive hybrid and electric vehicles.  The converter will be more efficient, smaller and lower in cost than those currently available.  The vehicles will recycle energy lost during the braking process through an electronic motor, which can then be used later.

“The second initiative will see LDV Group work with RVL in the development of an electric powered version of MAXUS, which will be available as early as June of this year.”

The two initiatives are part of the company's wider product plan that includes investing in the range to deliver even better quality and reliability results.

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

Speaking at the 2008 Commercial Vehicle Show, Vereshchagin said that over the past 20 months, the company has benefited significantly from being part of the GAZ Group and that it now has the financial backing, the long term automotive perspective and the wider skills base to grow MAXUS both in the UK and overseas.

“We have made solid progress since our acquisition.  This includes 51 new MAXUS derivatives introduced into the market, a 30 per cent increase in MAXUS UK registrations, an increase in our UK dealer network of some 25 per cent and over 100 new dealers appointed on the continent.  Our manufacturing volumes have doubled with productivity increasing by 38 per cent and we have created 200 new jobs.

“2008 will see us introduce more new models to the market and we are also extending our bespoke product offering through our dedicated special vehicle operations department.  There are currently £4 million worth of bespoke vehicles going through this department for customers including the Home Office, the Ministry of Defence and UK police and ambulance fleets.

“On export, sales will increase significantly this year and we are confident that we will export around 5,000 vehicles from Birmingham.   Our relationships in the Asia Pacific Rim are also strengthening and we plan to send over 1,000 vehicles as either built up MAXUS products or vehicles in kits for local assembly in Malaysia.

“We believe a platform for growth is now in place and it is the whole teams' responsibility to build on this for future success.”

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

All new models produced at the MAXUS Birmingham factory will now feature the following as standard:

• CD player with MP3 compatibility
• ABS and EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
• Driver's height rise seat
• MAXUS badging to all grilles and rear doors

All MAXUS van derivatives will receive a steel unglazed partition.

Evgeniy Vereshchagin, LDV Group's new chief executive, says the additions are designed to give the company's growing customer base, both domestic and European, even more benefits.  “Our company has been built over many years on our ability to build the exact vehicle to meet every type of customer's need, whether it's a mobile post office for the Royal Mail fleet, a dedicated School Bus for our educational customers or simply a standard van built to the very best standards for local trades people. 

“These new enhancements underline our commitment to continue to expand and enhance the MAXUS range to make it the most diverse and flexible in the market.”

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

Juliet Cadzow, better known to children under five across the world as Edie McCredie the school bus driver in CBeebies' hugely popular Balamory, joined LDV to officially launch its MAXUS School Bus.

Welcoming Edie McCredie to Birmingham were children and teachers from West Heath Primary School who sang songs as the first MAXUS School Bus travelled off the production line.

Speaking at the launch, marketing director, Steve Miller said: “We offer the widest range of minibuses in the UK market and we have won Minibus of the Year both last year and this.  Our new MAXUS School Bus will enable us to reach an even wider audience.  Our last Convoy School Bus was popular with schools and colleges across the UK and we know this new model will do just as well.

“As any parent will tell you, the most famous school bus driver in the land is Edie McCredie.  We could think of no better person to invite to the factory than Juliet who has got to know our products very well over the years that she filmed for the popular BBC show.”

LDV's new vehicle puts children's safety at the top of the agenda, with features including:

• Distinctive highway yellow paint with reflective schools livery kit
• Anti lock brakes and electronic brake distribution
• Driver and passenger airbags
• Yellow seat belt webbing and head restraints
• Audible reversing bleeper
• Rear parking sensors
• Retractable electric side load door step
• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit

Schools can also upgrade their vehicle to include interior and exterior cameras, front parking sensors and audible warning systems on the doors.

The standard MAXUS School Bus package starts from as little as £26,500.  All vehicles come with free RoSPA driving training as well as:

• Guaranteed finance for all state schools with easy payment terms spread over four annual payments
• Dedicated insurance for education authorities
• Four year/120,000 mile manufacturer's warranty and two year MAXUS assist European roadside recovery programme
• For education authorities only, there is a complete peace of mind package that includes servicing, repair and maintenance, annual MOTS and roadside recovery for four years of ownership from as little as £2.50 per day

For further information on the LDV MAXUS School Bus visit www.maxus.com

The AVP Sport Van made its world debut this week at the NEC, creating a stir in the motorhome market with prices starting from under £22,500.  The vehicle is a collaboration between LDV Group and Prestige Motor Homes, a specialist motor home manufacturer and distributor based in Droitwich. 

Blurent, a European motor home rental specialist will take 10 left hand drive vehicles.  Its sister company Prestige, will take 20 right hand drive vehicles, which it will sell to the UK market.

LDV and Blurent will also develop two new motorhomes built on the Maxus chassis cab with prototypes available for July to be launched into the Blucamp vehicle range.  This is part of a plan to deliver an initial 200 vehicles in time for the 2009 season.

Speaking of the order, Carlo Falcini, managing director of Blurent and Blucamp, said: “The response at the show to the Sport Van was extremely positive and we believe the vehicles will be very popular with our European customers.  We have 115 dealers across 17 European states and our aim is to launch the new vehicles at a special dealer event in July.”

The 2.8 tonne MAXUS vehicle is designed for the weekend traveller and comes fully loaded for a fun trip away. 

Features on the APV Sport Van include:

• Double bed
• Dining area
• Entertainment system including CD player with MP3 compatibility and TV DVD satellite entertainment system
• Full fitted kitchen with three burner hob, sink and fridge
• Exterior styling includes roof rails, stainless steel nudge bars and rear door ladder

Dmitry Ivashenko, LDV's sales and marketing director, welcomes the order: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Prestige and Blurent.  In addition to motor homes, we are also looking at a van daily rental project with Blurent based from its French dealer network.”

The two companies will work closely together this year, with the new motor homes officially launched to the public at the National Caravan and Motor Home Show in October.

For further information on the MAXUS range visit www.maxus.com.

Young firefighters in Yorkshire are benefiting from the first ever custom-built fire engine for young people thanks to LDV dealer F&G Commercials.

Huddersfield-based F&G Commercials handed over the purpose-built MAXUS fire engine to West Yorkshire Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase and Chair of the Authority, Councillor Philip Booth.

The vehicle will be used by the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service to help students on its Young Firefighters course.

The MAXUS fire engine features most things that a full size vehicle would.  The crew cab seats five people and has space for breathing apparatus and the vehicle carries two ladders – triple extension and a light-weight double.

Martin Hoole, the service’s Youth Training Officer, runs the scheme.  He said: “Our firefighters’ scheme has been so successful that we decided to search for a dedicated vehicle which is more suitable for younger people.  F&G Commercials has supported us throughout this process and produced a vehicle that is completely fit for purpose.”

Kevin Staley, F&G Commercial’s van sales specialist, handed over the new vehicle.  He said: “The young firefighters course is helping people across our region and we hope more fire stations introduce the course.”

F&G Commercials is based on Leeds Road, Huddersfield.  The dealership supplies both new and used LDV vehicles and offers servicing, parts and VANfit roadside recovery.  For further information call 01484 300500.

For further information visit www.ldv.com.

Two concept vehicles will make their debut in the UK – the 7.5 tonne MAXUS MX100 and a new MAXUS luxury minibus.

Demonstrating that the company can make any vehicle for any job, a new Mobile Post Office produced for the Royal Mail will also be on the stand.

Tony Lewis, sales and marketing director, says the MAXUS stand will be bursting with new vehicles, new concepts and new initiatives: “We’ve proved over the last 18 months since our purchase by GAZ International that we can be innovative and flexible in our approach to both products and customers.

“This year’s Commercial Vehicle Show will allow us to introduce even further changes to our line up including our new 2008 model year enhancement package and a new aftersales support programme.”

To find out more about MAXUS visit LDV.com or see LDV at the CV Show in Hall 9, Stand 450.

The new black long wheel base hi-roof vans are all fully liveried and will support HiQ’s customers across the UK.  The 25 vehicles will soon be joined by further vans as HiQ ramps up its fleet service in 2008.

Tony Lewis, LDV’s sales and marketing director handed over the new vehicles to Neil Burrows, HiQ’s managing director.  Tony said: “HiQ’s aspirations to transform the face of fast-fit are fantastic and it’s great to be supporting an expanding brand. The new vans will ensure that should HiQ’s customers require roadside assistance, support is never far away.”

Neil Burrows says the new vans are the first of many that the company will be purchasing in the coming months: “LDV and HiQ share many of the same values when it comes to customer care in the UK fleet market – our aim is to provide optimum service at all times. The addition of these new vehicles to our UK fleet will ensure we reach our customers when they need us most.”

HiQ launched a three year development programme in 2007 aimed at revolutionising the fast-fit industry.  Initiatives include:

• A unique on line service which allows customers to purchase their tyres and choose when and where they have them fitted within the network
• Open and honest pricing based on the principles ‘the price we quote is the price you pay’ which is consistent from store to store
• Enhanced customer service based on a unique national training programme - the HiQ Academy
• A brand new look which has been designed to reflect HiQ’s new philosophy and set it apart from other fast fit providers
  

Michael McInerney, Europcar’s Fleet Operations Director, said the new vans were a welcome addition to the fleet and would be ideal for customers looking to transport larger goods.  “We’re delighted to be the first national rental company to take delivery of the new MAXUS Luton Van.

“We have developed a long and successful working relationship with LDV and receive excellent feedback from our customers regarding performance and comfort of the MAXUS range.  This in turn has led us to increase our range of MAXUS vans.”

Kevin Childs, LDV’s fleet manager added: “Our aim is to provide a commercial vehicle that meets the needs of a diverse market.  The launch of our MAXUS Luton Van means we can now appeal to an even wider audience.  We have worked with Europcar since the launch of MAXUS and are pleased to continue this relationship as we expand the range.”

Europcar was established in 1949 in Paris and is Europe’s number one car rental company. With a UK fleet of over 60,000 cars and vans, Europcar provides services to business and leisure customers through its 250 plus UK rental locations.

For further information on the new MAXUS chassis cab range or the existing MAXUS van range please visit www.ldv.com/gb/new.asp.

Under the ownership of GAZ Group there has been a significant upturn in the fortune of the Birmingham based business.

In the 12 months to December 2007 LDV has:

• Doubled the output of its MAXUS product
• Made productivity improvements of 38 per cent through the introduction of GAZ lean manufacturing techniques
• Created 200 new jobs
• Installed a £6m chassis cab manufacturing line
• Introduced 12, 15 and 17 seat minibuses together with accessible versions
• Introduced a range of chassis cabs including dropsides, tippers and Lutons
• Introduced two new engine variants at 105ps and 135ps
• Introduced fridge and ambulance versions of MAXUS
• Entered the Benelux, Spanish and French markets and strengthened distribution channels in Scandinavia and in the Asia Pacific Rim
• Introduced MAXUS into Russia
• Been awarded the UK Company of the Year 2007 by the Institute of Transport Management

Tony Lewis, sales & marketing director, is extremely pleased with the progress made.  He said: “This has been a remarkable year for us. We have achieved a great deal in a very short time frame and had the most successful year, as a business, in over a decade. Every area of the LDV business has been transformed over the past 12 months and this provides an excellent platform for us to grow even further going into 2008.

“At the Commercial Vehicle Show in April 2008 we will be showing eight new variants of the MAXUS range, which is a clear demonstration of our position as the UK’s light commercial vehicle specialist.”

The 3.2 tonne short wheel based MAXUS vehicles will support the new roadside assistance initiative which has been developed to minimise the potentially costly repairs and damage that misfuelling can have on customers’ vehicles.

LDV worked in partnership with Whale, specialists in waste tankers, and Sortimo, interior racking specialists, to produce a vehicle that was both functional and met the stringent safety standards required of vehicles transporting flammable fuel.

The MAXUS fleet required a bespoke design capable of carrying the 330 litre fuel tank, two electric pumps and earthing reels required to safely drain customers’ vehicles, all of which were undertaken by Whale Tankers.

Speaking of the new initiative Donald MacSporran, Technical Performance Manager for the AA said:

“Our research showed that there were 150,000 motorists last year who experienced the inconvenience and expense of having their vehicle’s fuel drained and this encouraged us to develop this new service for the public.

As the UK’s number one breakdown service it is paramount that we use a fleet that is reliable and fit of the purpose. We were very pleased with the quick, flexible and professional service that LDV provided to help us meet our deadlines."

Carolyn Wall, LDV Fleet manager added:

“The MAXUS van is a solid vehicle which continues to win many national awards. Our partnership with the AA, Whale and Sortimo demonstrates the flexibility of the range to meet businesses’ requirements."

As part of the launch of the MAXUS chassis cab range, Tommy visited building materials supplier Buildbase, which is giving away one of the vehicles in a national competition.

LDV's new MAXUS chassis cab range is available with a dropside, tipper or Luton body and has a choice of two wheelbases and three engine variants up to 135PS.  The vehicles are ideal for a large variety of building and trade professionals, with a maximum payload of up to 1850kg.

Tommy Walsh first found fame on BBC's Ground Force programme and is now a respected television presenter in his own right, fronting shows including Space Invaders, Trading Places and a series of DIY shows for Discovery.  He also has his own landscaping business in Hackney.

Speaking at the launch, Tommy said: "The new MAXUS chassis cab range is a great tool for all trades.  There's plenty of choice within the range and once behind the wheel you've got practicality mixed with comfort inside.  LDV's MAXUS range will definitely meet the needs of many businesses across the UK."

Matt Dunnakey, LDV's marketing operations manager, demonstrated the new range to Tommy.  Matt said: "It's fantastic to get the support of Tommy for our launch.  Tommy is renowned across the UK for his hard work ethic and is an ideal person to launch our own hard working chassis cab range."

LDV is offering people the chance to win a brand new MAXUS chassis cab.

Vouchers are available for the competition in Buildbase and Plumbase's customer magazine.

For further information on the range visit www.ldv.com

The commercial vehicle has been developed as part of a study to evaluate the opportunities for developing a MAXUS commercial vehicle of up to 7.5 tonnes for the European market. Launching the new MAXUS MX100, Martin Leach, Head of Light Commercial Vehicles, GAZ Group, said:

“We have ambitious growth plans for the MAXUS product range in Europe and firmly believe that this includes looking beyond our current weight range of 2.8 to 3.9 tonnes. The platform for the MX100 is from the durability proven Valday, a vehicle that has for many years operated under some of the toughest conditions in the world. This is one of a number of projects that we are working on and we are looking forward to exhibition visitors’ comments and reactions to assist us in developing the product itself and the distribution strategy.”

Together, GAZ Group and UltraMotive have created an exterior façade and stylish interior design based on the existing award-winning MAXUS product range which is manufactured in the UK.

Target specifications for the new MAXUS MX100 include:

• Euro 5 compliant 3.0L diesel engine

 • Power output 150PS

 • Torque 350 Nm

 • Payload over 4 tonnes

• Air conditioning and alloys
• Forward facing seats with 'all generation' lap and diagonal seatbelts
• Five year 100,000 mile warranty
• Blackened privacy glass
• CD player
• Electric windows and electric mirrors
• Steel bulkhead
• ABS and EBD
• Driver’s and passenger’s airbag and choice of 95 PS or 120 PS diesel engine