Tuesday 27 November 2007

LDV assists The AA to launch new service

Motorists who inadvertently fill their vehicles with the wrong fuel can now call upon the new AA Fuel Assist service launched by the UK’s biggest breakdown provider. Its specialist, dedicated fleet includes 13 liveried MAXUS vehicles, supplied by light commercial specialist, LDV.
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."

Friday 2 November 2007

GAZ GROUP unveils new concept vehicle


GAZ Group has unveiled its new concept vehicle on the first day of the European Road Transport Show in Amsterdam. MAXUS MX100 is designed in conjunction with leading automotive styling and engineering company UltraMotive and is based on the tried and tested GAZ Group Valday chassis.

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