‘The pure driving experience’ is new marketing tagline of the all-new Maxus diesel and electric van ranges, launched online today with a video link from importer Harris Group’s Dublin HQ.
The group – which is the sole Maxus distributor for Ireland, the UK and right-hand drive European markets – used a video feed ‘virtual’ launch, instead of its planned ‘in the metal’ unveil in late April that was scuppered by COVID-19.
As lockdown restrictions start to ease, enabling dealer visits by customers, Harris Group chose Monday 15 June 2020 for its launch of the new Maxus.
Both the diesel and electric vans and chassis cabs are all-new from the ground up – rather than being re-worked versions of the previous models.
With a long-spec sheet of items as standard, Harris Groups has high hopes for the electric Maxus. Early in 2020, pre-Covid, it said “Maxus is set to become synonymous with electric driving and we’re confident that the Mazus EV range will be one of the top two selling EV LCVs for 2020.”
Now, recognising the challenging COVID-19 landscape, ambitions have been rescaled. Speaking at the launch, Harris Group General Manager Mark Barrett (pictured above) referring to his previous comments admitted that the market has been dramatically altered.
But he remains confident: “We believe that the dial has moved considerably today, and we predict that 2020 will be Maxus’ year.”
Full suite of diesel options
The diesel Deliver 9 van comes in seven standard variants enabling Harris Group to pitch in all business markets.
The range spans the low roof, short wheelbase L1 H1 (with over 8m3 of space), to the high roof, long wheelbase L3H3, with 13m3 of space.
It is powered by a new Euro 6d Engine (D20, 163 PS @ 4000rpm, 375Nm) with advanced ECO-Technology, DPF warning indicator and manual regen function button .
There’s a long list of standard fit items, such as air-conditioning, cruise control, reverse parking sensors, non-slip cargo area floor, electric windows and mirrors.
The Deliver 9 Luxury model adds a reversing camera, auto-wipers and a host of other items, alongside options, such as an electrically operated automatic side-step.
“With so many different options, you’re sure to find an affordable vehicle that perfectly suits your needs,” says Mr Barrett.
Electric version designed – not adapted
Mr Barrett is keen to point out that the eDeliver 3 is designed specifically as an electric vehicle, rather than an adaptation of a diesel design, and it is not available with other drivetrains.
The larger Deliver 9 is also available as an electric vehicle – the eDeliver 9, as a van, chassis cab and minibus.
Boasting a range of 200 miles and a 45-minute DC charging time the integral body uses a large number of aluminum alloys and polymer composite materials.
“It is a strong design with emphasis on strength and payload,” says Mr Barrett.
Available in two wheelbase options, it is also high-specified, and includes air-condition and cruise control as standard, for example. It is also possible for the driver to change to ‘strength’ of the regenerative braking.
Both length variants and the chassis cab have the same mechanical specification, using a 90KW/250Nm motor, AC/DC charging options and a choice of 35Kw or 52.5Kw batteries.
Using various battery cooling methods, allows Maxus to reduce the charging time (DC 45mins (5%-80%) AC 5hrs), extend the Ternary Polymer Lithium battery life and increase the operating range, to 200 miles.
The eDeliver models come with 5 years 60,000 miles (96,000km) warranty for the vehicle and a the battery 8 years 100,000 miles (161,000 Km) from the date of first registration.
Find out more: www.saicmaxus.ie or www.saicmaxus.co.uk
About SAIC
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC – pronounced ‘syke’) is the largest automotive group in China, and is the name behind the MAXUS (formerly LDV) brand.
Based in Shanghai, SAIC produces almost 7m vehicles each year for domestic and international markets and is a Fortune Global 500 listed company with almost 100,000 employees.
About Harris Group
The Harris Group is one of Ireland’s leading importers and distributors of commercial vehicles for the construction, distribution and mass transportation industries.
Founded in 1961, the company has developed an unrivalled reputation for exceptional customer service through a state-of-the-art parts distribution centre and extensive workshop facilities.
Today, Harris Group operations encompass a global supply chain, a pan-European customer base and an extensive network of dealers, with a firm focus on technological innovation and the next generation of clean, sustainable motoring.
Harris Group is the distributor for the Maxus range of vehicles in the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Malta and Cyprus.
