Chinese vehicle manufacturer LDV to produce Tarantula SUV
LDV has announced its latest SUV, the Tarantula, will go on sale in China next year, with aspirations to also enter the European market
LDV, formally Leyland DAF Vans, has announced that it will start production of its mid-size SUV concept the Tarantula, in 2019. The interestingly named SUV will offer a mix of powertrains, including petrol, diesel, hybrid and pure EV variants. While the car will be initially limited to the Chinese market, a spokesperson confirmed that the marque is hopeful the Tarantula will go on to be sold in Europe at a later date.
The mid-size SUV will sit below the larger LDV D90, which is already on sale in China, but will feature what the company claims is an “edgier and more contemporary look”. The platform on which the new SUV will be built, will also be used for the G50 – an MPV with roughly the same size footprint as a Renault Grand Scenic.
The SAIC-owned brand also has plans to launch a new fully electric commercial vehicle named the EV31. This will share technology from other EVs made by the Chinese firm and sold under its other brands – potentially meaning the LDV van could share components with future electric MGs. The EV31 is set to come with a 70kW motor, two battery options (either 35 or 53kWh) as well as a claimed range of 200-miles on a single charge.
Mark Barret, general manager of LDV, UK & Ireland, said, “This launch of this mid-size crossover will position LDV as a true challenger to more mainstream brands in a key market segment for commercial vehicles”.
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