Can Chinese rival Toyota HiLux continue to sell the LDV?

The LDV T60 makes up the bulk of the brand's sales, but the new models could further propel the Chinese automaker.

We have been writing a lot lately about the rise of Chinese brands in the Australian market. MG, Haval, GWM and LDV achieved strong sales in 2020, with sales of the latter up over 43%.

As we reported last year, LDV claims it is now a "core" brand, with over 9000 vehicles sold in 2020 - up from 214 in 2014 when the brand was taken over by the Ateco Group. That's a significant increase, but the brand still depends on the T60-rivaling Toyota HiLux for much of its success.

The T60 accounted for 59.8% of all those record 2020 sales, while the brand's second best-selling van, the G10 van, accounted for just 17.4%. That looks set to change in 2021 (or at least that's what the brand hopes) thanks to two important but relatively late arrivals in 2020.

The introduction of a new twin-turbo diesel engine for the D90 SUV, as well as the arrival of the all-new Deliver 9 large commercial van in showrooms, has given the brand a boost in the final months of 2020.

Both models are expected to post strong sales figures this year and support the T60. Surely the numbers for both look in the right direction.

According to a VFACTS report, LDV sold 113 D90s in January this year, up 370% from January 2020. Rival Everest and Isuzu MU-X.

An Ateco spokesperson was unable to confirm any details, but said the company is still open to adding new models to the lineup in the future. One obvious candidate would be the D60 mid-size SUV, which sits below the D90.

While it won't grab any attention or headlines, Deliver 9 should, dare we say it, boost LDV sales. It outsold the Volkswagen Crafter and Renault Master in January, but it still has significant growth to reach the numbers achieved by class-leading Isuzu and Hino offerings.

Not that the T60 will be ignored as previously reported CarsGuide, Rumor has it that LDV will add a twin-turbo diesel engine to the lineup, as well as a possible V6 turbodiesel, to escalate the fight against the HiLux and Ford Ranger.

The "limited edition" Trailrider is expected to return for the third time, and the higher-spec model will prove popular with buyers.