LDV South Africa recently hosted its dealer conference, with representation from dealerships across the country. Among those present was Joy Zhu, Africa Regional Director for SAIC Motor International, reinforcing the brand’s global backing and commitment to growth in South Africa.
The conference saw Managing Director of LDV South Africa, Frank Chien, along with newly appointed South African CEO, Gerhard Moolman, outline the brand’s current product lineup and future growth plans. They also highlighted upcoming model launches, with the next new vehicle expected in South Africa as early as May.
“Dealers are the backbone of our brand,” Joy says who has been with SAIC Motor International for 26 years, including heading up operations across the Middle East, Australia, and South America. “In Africa, not having a bakkie or pickup in your model lineup already puts brands a step behind the competition,” he says.
Known globally for its quality and value for money panel vans and bakkies or pickups, LDV has recently expanded into the South African SUV segment too.
Launched into South Africa earlier this year, the LDV D90 is a seven-seater family vehicle that combines strong on‑ and off‑road performance with a 2.0‑litre bi-turbo diesel engine, 8‑speed transmission and 4X4 with diff lock. It comes equipped with advanced safety and driver‑assist features, as well as modern tech comforts.
“LDV is no longer a single-product brand,” Gerhard says. “From panel vans to double cabs and family SUVs, we now offer a full ecosystem of vehicles for every customer who walks through our doors. We want every dealer to feel like a valued partner, and it’s important to grow sustainably, avoiding over-saturation while supporting both our dealers and customers.”
The dealer conference also highlighted LDV’s commitment to parts, training and after-sales support, including the opening of a new parts and training centre in Gauteng in the coming months.
“We are committed to supporting dealer profitability and offering South Africans great-value, high-spec, quality vehicles,” Gerhard adds.
“Building a great brand is about partnerships. A massive opportunity lies ahead of us in South Africa, and this is just the beginning. Together with our dealers, we will continue to grow, strengthen the brand, and deliver vehicles that meet our customers’ needs and expectations,” Joy concludes.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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