Latest news with #DineshChinnappa
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 LDV Terron 9 price and specs: New ute joins smaller T60
The new LDV Terron 9 ute is reaching Australian showrooms in July, but the current T60 ute won't be departing then. Instead, LDV will sell the two ute dual-cab 4×4 ute lines concurrently, with the larger Terron 9 priced higher. The base Origin is priced at $50,990 drive-away for ABN holders, though for a limited time LDV will offer it for $49,990 drive-away. The top-spec Evolve costs $55,990 drive-away for ABN holders, reduced to $54,990 for a limited time. For context, the 2025 T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. LDV has yet to announce pricing for the eTerron 9, the new ute's electric twin and the replacement for the pioneering eT60 electric ute, the only 2WD version of the T60. With a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 163kW of power and 520Nm of torque, the Terron 9 outguns other four-cylinder utes including the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo (154kW/500Nm) as well as the T60 Max (160kW/500Nm). Only the Toyota HiLux GR Sport has it beat among four-cylinder diesel utes, producing 165kW and 550Nm. The Terron 9 matches most of its rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, as well as payload of between 1005kg and 1100kg. The new ute has a body 97mm wider than the T60, while in terms of wheelbase and overall length it slots in between the current T60 Plus and T60 Mega Tub Plus. That makes it close in size (not to mention price) to the GWM Cannon Alpha, which is 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall on a 3350mm wheelbase. "We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points," said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa. "We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron ute series will broaden our offering across the ute segment. "We have seen the ute market evolve in recent years, including in the tradie and workhorse space. "These customers work hard and are often on the road all day, and they appreciate space and comfort as much as family buyers do. So the new-generation LDV Terron 9 has been developed to reflect the changing demands on these vehicles." The LDV Terron 9 will soon be offered in MG showrooms too, as the U9 (above right). The rebadged ute is set to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2025, though MG has yet to announce pricing and specifications. LDV and MG are both owned by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, but MG distributes its own vehicles in Australia while the LDV brand is handled here by independent importer Ateco Automotive. As mentioned, for a limited time at participating dealers the Origin will be priced at $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders, with the Evolve priced at $54,990 drive-away. The LDV Terron 9 features four-wheel disc brakes and, like most utes in this segment, has leaf-spring rear suspension. The Terron 9 is offered in a single dual-cab pickup body style. The LDV Terron 9 is backed by a seven-year, 200,000km warranty. The first service is required at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, with subsequent visits required every 12 months or 15,000km. LDV Australia hasn't confirmed any capped-price servicing scheme. The LDV Terron 9 has yet to be tested by safety authority ANCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: There are two trim levels in the Terron 9 lineup. The base Origin comes standard with the following equipment: The Evolve adds: White is the standard exterior paint finish. The following metallic and premium finishes are available for an additional $500: MORE: Everything LDV Content originally sourced from: The new LDV Terron 9 ute is reaching Australian showrooms in July, but the current T60 ute won't be departing then. Instead, LDV will sell the two ute dual-cab 4×4 ute lines concurrently, with the larger Terron 9 priced higher. The base Origin is priced at $50,990 drive-away for ABN holders, though for a limited time LDV will offer it for $49,990 drive-away. The top-spec Evolve costs $55,990 drive-away for ABN holders, reduced to $54,990 for a limited time. For context, the 2025 T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. LDV has yet to announce pricing for the eTerron 9, the new ute's electric twin and the replacement for the pioneering eT60 electric ute, the only 2WD version of the T60. With a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 163kW of power and 520Nm of torque, the Terron 9 outguns other four-cylinder utes including the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo (154kW/500Nm) as well as the T60 Max (160kW/500Nm). Only the Toyota HiLux GR Sport has it beat among four-cylinder diesel utes, producing 165kW and 550Nm. The Terron 9 matches most of its rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, as well as payload of between 1005kg and 1100kg. The new ute has a body 97mm wider than the T60, while in terms of wheelbase and overall length it slots in between the current T60 Plus and T60 Mega Tub Plus. That makes it close in size (not to mention price) to the GWM Cannon Alpha, which is 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall on a 3350mm wheelbase. "We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points," said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa. "We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron ute series will broaden our offering across the ute segment. "We have seen the ute market evolve in recent years, including in the tradie and workhorse space. "These customers work hard and are often on the road all day, and they appreciate space and comfort as much as family buyers do. So the new-generation LDV Terron 9 has been developed to reflect the changing demands on these vehicles." The LDV Terron 9 will soon be offered in MG showrooms too, as the U9 (above right). The rebadged ute is set to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2025, though MG has yet to announce pricing and specifications. LDV and MG are both owned by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, but MG distributes its own vehicles in Australia while the LDV brand is handled here by independent importer Ateco Automotive. As mentioned, for a limited time at participating dealers the Origin will be priced at $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders, with the Evolve priced at $54,990 drive-away. The LDV Terron 9 features four-wheel disc brakes and, like most utes in this segment, has leaf-spring rear suspension. The Terron 9 is offered in a single dual-cab pickup body style. The LDV Terron 9 is backed by a seven-year, 200,000km warranty. The first service is required at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, with subsequent visits required every 12 months or 15,000km. LDV Australia hasn't confirmed any capped-price servicing scheme. The LDV Terron 9 has yet to be tested by safety authority ANCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: There are two trim levels in the Terron 9 lineup. The base Origin comes standard with the following equipment: The Evolve adds: White is the standard exterior paint finish. The following metallic and premium finishes are available for an additional $500: MORE: Everything LDV Content originally sourced from: The new LDV Terron 9 ute is reaching Australian showrooms in July, but the current T60 ute won't be departing then. Instead, LDV will sell the two ute dual-cab 4×4 ute lines concurrently, with the larger Terron 9 priced higher. The base Origin is priced at $50,990 drive-away for ABN holders, though for a limited time LDV will offer it for $49,990 drive-away. The top-spec Evolve costs $55,990 drive-away for ABN holders, reduced to $54,990 for a limited time. For context, the 2025 T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. LDV has yet to announce pricing for the eTerron 9, the new ute's electric twin and the replacement for the pioneering eT60 electric ute, the only 2WD version of the T60. With a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 163kW of power and 520Nm of torque, the Terron 9 outguns other four-cylinder utes including the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo (154kW/500Nm) as well as the T60 Max (160kW/500Nm). Only the Toyota HiLux GR Sport has it beat among four-cylinder diesel utes, producing 165kW and 550Nm. The Terron 9 matches most of its rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, as well as payload of between 1005kg and 1100kg. The new ute has a body 97mm wider than the T60, while in terms of wheelbase and overall length it slots in between the current T60 Plus and T60 Mega Tub Plus. That makes it close in size (not to mention price) to the GWM Cannon Alpha, which is 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall on a 3350mm wheelbase. "We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points," said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa. "We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron ute series will broaden our offering across the ute segment. "We have seen the ute market evolve in recent years, including in the tradie and workhorse space. "These customers work hard and are often on the road all day, and they appreciate space and comfort as much as family buyers do. So the new-generation LDV Terron 9 has been developed to reflect the changing demands on these vehicles." The LDV Terron 9 will soon be offered in MG showrooms too, as the U9 (above right). The rebadged ute is set to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2025, though MG has yet to announce pricing and specifications. LDV and MG are both owned by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, but MG distributes its own vehicles in Australia while the LDV brand is handled here by independent importer Ateco Automotive. As mentioned, for a limited time at participating dealers the Origin will be priced at $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders, with the Evolve priced at $54,990 drive-away. The LDV Terron 9 features four-wheel disc brakes and, like most utes in this segment, has leaf-spring rear suspension. The Terron 9 is offered in a single dual-cab pickup body style. The LDV Terron 9 is backed by a seven-year, 200,000km warranty. The first service is required at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, with subsequent visits required every 12 months or 15,000km. LDV Australia hasn't confirmed any capped-price servicing scheme. The LDV Terron 9 has yet to be tested by safety authority ANCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: There are two trim levels in the Terron 9 lineup. The base Origin comes standard with the following equipment: The Evolve adds: White is the standard exterior paint finish. The following metallic and premium finishes are available for an additional $500: MORE: Everything LDV Content originally sourced from: The new LDV Terron 9 ute is reaching Australian showrooms in July, but the current T60 ute won't be departing then. Instead, LDV will sell the two ute dual-cab 4×4 ute lines concurrently, with the larger Terron 9 priced higher. The base Origin is priced at $50,990 drive-away for ABN holders, though for a limited time LDV will offer it for $49,990 drive-away. The top-spec Evolve costs $55,990 drive-away for ABN holders, reduced to $54,990 for a limited time. For context, the 2025 T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. LDV has yet to announce pricing for the eTerron 9, the new ute's electric twin and the replacement for the pioneering eT60 electric ute, the only 2WD version of the T60. With a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 163kW of power and 520Nm of torque, the Terron 9 outguns other four-cylinder utes including the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo (154kW/500Nm) as well as the T60 Max (160kW/500Nm). Only the Toyota HiLux GR Sport has it beat among four-cylinder diesel utes, producing 165kW and 550Nm. The Terron 9 matches most of its rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, as well as payload of between 1005kg and 1100kg. The new ute has a body 97mm wider than the T60, while in terms of wheelbase and overall length it slots in between the current T60 Plus and T60 Mega Tub Plus. That makes it close in size (not to mention price) to the GWM Cannon Alpha, which is 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall on a 3350mm wheelbase. "We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points," said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa. "We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron ute series will broaden our offering across the ute segment. "We have seen the ute market evolve in recent years, including in the tradie and workhorse space. "These customers work hard and are often on the road all day, and they appreciate space and comfort as much as family buyers do. So the new-generation LDV Terron 9 has been developed to reflect the changing demands on these vehicles." The LDV Terron 9 will soon be offered in MG showrooms too, as the U9 (above right). The rebadged ute is set to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2025, though MG has yet to announce pricing and specifications. LDV and MG are both owned by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, but MG distributes its own vehicles in Australia while the LDV brand is handled here by independent importer Ateco Automotive. As mentioned, for a limited time at participating dealers the Origin will be priced at $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders, with the Evolve priced at $54,990 drive-away. The LDV Terron 9 features four-wheel disc brakes and, like most utes in this segment, has leaf-spring rear suspension. The Terron 9 is offered in a single dual-cab pickup body style. The LDV Terron 9 is backed by a seven-year, 200,000km warranty. The first service is required at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, with subsequent visits required every 12 months or 15,000km. LDV Australia hasn't confirmed any capped-price servicing scheme. The LDV Terron 9 has yet to be tested by safety authority ANCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: There are two trim levels in the Terron 9 lineup. The base Origin comes standard with the following equipment: The Evolve adds: White is the standard exterior paint finish. The following metallic and premium finishes are available for an additional $500: MORE: Everything LDV Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 LDV Terron 9 price and specs: New ute joins smaller T60
The new LDV Terron 9 ute is reaching Australian showrooms in July, but the current T60 ute won't be departing then. Instead, LDV will sell the two ute dual-cab 4×4 ute lines concurrently, with the larger Terron 9 priced higher. The base Origin is priced at $50,990 drive-away for ABN holders, though for a limited time LDV will offer it for $49,990 drive-away. The top-spec Evolve costs $55,990 drive-away for ABN holders, reduced to $54,990 for a limited time. For context, the 2025 T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. LDV has yet to announce pricing for the eTerron 9, the new ute's electric twin and the replacement for the pioneering eT60 electric ute, the only 2WD version of the T60. With a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 163kW of power and 520Nm of torque, the Terron 9 outguns other four-cylinder utes including the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo (154kW/500Nm) as well as the T60 Max (160kW/500Nm). Only the Toyota HiLux GR Sport has it beat among four-cylinder diesel utes, producing 165kW and 550Nm. The Terron 9 matches most of its rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, as well as payload of between 1005kg and 1100kg. The new ute has a body 97mm wider than the T60, while in terms of wheelbase and overall length it slots in between the current T60 Plus and T60 Mega Tub Plus. That makes it close in size (not to mention price) to the GWM Cannon Alpha, which is 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall on a 3350mm wheelbase. 'We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points,' said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa. 'We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron ute series will broaden our offering across the ute segment. 'We have seen the ute market evolve in recent years, including in the tradie and workhorse space. 'These customers work hard and are often on the road all day, and they appreciate space and comfort as much as family buyers do. So the new-generation LDV Terron 9 has been developed to reflect the changing demands on these vehicles.' The LDV Terron 9 will soon be offered in MG showrooms too, as the U9 (above right). The rebadged ute is set to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2025, though MG has yet to announce pricing and specifications. LDV and MG are both owned by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, but MG distributes its own vehicles in Australia while the LDV brand is handled here by independent importer Ateco Automotive. Pricing As mentioned, for a limited time at participating dealers the Origin will be priced at $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders, with the Evolve priced at $54,990 drive-away. Drivetrains and Efficiency The LDV Terron 9 features four-wheel disc brakes and, like most utes in this segment, has leaf-spring rear suspension. Dimensions The Terron 9 is offered in a single dual-cab pickup body style. Servicing and Warranty The LDV Terron 9 is backed by a seven-year, 200,000km warranty. The first service is required at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, with subsequent visits required every 12 months or 15,000km. LDV Australia hasn't confirmed any capped-price servicing scheme. Safety The LDV Terron 9 has yet to be tested by safety authority ANCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver attention alert Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Safe exit warning Front, front-side and curtain airbags Front centre airbag Surround-view camera Front and rear parking sensors Tyre pressure monitoring Standard Equipment There are two trim levels in the Terron 9 lineup. The base Origin comes standard with the following equipment: 18-inch alloy wheels 265/65/18 highway terrain tyres Full-size spare tyre on matching alloy wheel Tow bar and wiring harness Rear differential lock Side steps Spray-in tub liner Black roof rails Locking tailgate with spring lift assistance Automatic bi-LED headlights Rain-sensing wipers 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 4-speaker sound system Cloth upholstery 6-way power-adjustable front seats 2 x USB-A outlets 2 x USB-C outlets 1 x 12V outlet ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchor points for outboard rear seats The Evolve adds: 20-inch alloy wheels 275/55/20 highway terrain tyres Locking front differential Trailer back-up assistance Power-folding exterior mirrors Cargo bed lighting Cargo rails 8-speaker JBL sound system 8-way power-adjustable front seats Heated and ventilated front seats Massaging front seats Heated rear seats Ambient lighting Colours White is the standard exterior paint finish. The following metallic and premium finishes are available for an additional $500: Black Desert Yellow Spruce Green Jewel Blue Concrete Grey
Perth Now
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 LDV Terron 9 price and specs: New ute joins smaller T60
The new LDV Terron 9 ute is reaching Australian showrooms in July, but the current T60 ute won't be departing then. Instead, LDV will sell the two ute dual-cab 4×4 ute lines concurrently, with the larger Terron 9 priced higher. The base Origin is priced at $50,990 drive-away for ABN holders, though for a limited time LDV will offer it for $49,990 drive-away. The top-spec Evolve costs $55,990 drive-away for ABN holders, reduced to $54,990 for a limited time. For context, the 2025 T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert LDV has yet to announce pricing for the eTerron 9, the new ute's electric twin and the replacement for the pioneering eT60 electric ute, the only 2WD version of the T60. With a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 163kW of power and 520Nm of torque, the Terron 9 outguns other four-cylinder utes including the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo (154kW/500Nm) as well as the T60 Max (160kW/500Nm). Only the Toyota HiLux GR Sport has it beat among four-cylinder diesel utes, producing 165kW and 550Nm. The Terron 9 matches most of its rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, as well as payload of between 1005kg and 1100kg. The new ute has a body 97mm wider than the T60, while in terms of wheelbase and overall length it slots in between the current T60 Plus and T60 Mega Tub Plus. Supplied Credit: CarExpert That makes it close in size (not to mention price) to the GWM Cannon Alpha, which is 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall on a 3350mm wheelbase. 'We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points,' said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa. 'We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind. Rather, the LDV Terron ute series will broaden our offering across the ute segment. 'We have seen the ute market evolve in recent years, including in the tradie and workhorse space. 'These customers work hard and are often on the road all day, and they appreciate space and comfort as much as family buyers do. So the new-generation LDV Terron 9 has been developed to reflect the changing demands on these vehicles.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The LDV Terron 9 will soon be offered in MG showrooms too, as the U9 (above right). The rebadged ute is set to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2025, though MG has yet to announce pricing and specifications. LDV and MG are both owned by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, but MG distributes its own vehicles in Australia while the LDV brand is handled here by independent importer Ateco Automotive. As mentioned, for a limited time at participating dealers the Origin will be priced at $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders, with the Evolve priced at $54,990 drive-away. The LDV Terron 9 features four-wheel disc brakes and, like most utes in this segment, has leaf-spring rear suspension. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Terron 9 is offered in a single dual-cab pickup body style. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The LDV Terron 9 is backed by a seven-year, 200,000km warranty. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The first service is required at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, with subsequent visits required every 12 months or 15,000km. LDV Australia hasn't confirmed any capped-price servicing scheme. The LDV Terron 9 has yet to be tested by safety authority ANCAP. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver attention alert Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Safe exit warning Front, front-side and curtain airbags Front centre airbag Surround-view camera Front and rear parking sensors Tyre pressure monitoring There are two trim levels in the Terron 9 lineup. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The base Origin comes standard with the following equipment: 18-inch alloy wheels 265/65/18 highway terrain tyres Full-size spare tyre on matching alloy wheel Tow bar and wiring harness Rear differential lock Side steps Spray-in tub liner Black roof rails Locking tailgate with spring lift assistance Automatic bi-LED headlights Rain-sensing wipers 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 4-speaker sound system Cloth upholstery 6-way power-adjustable front seats 2 x USB-A outlets 2 x USB-C outlets 1 x 12V outlet ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchor points for outboard rear seats The Evolve adds: 20-inch alloy wheels 275/55/20 highway terrain tyres Locking front differential Trailer back-up assistance Power-folding exterior mirrors Cargo bed lighting Cargo rails 8-speaker JBL sound system 8-way power-adjustable front seats Heated and ventilated front seats Massaging front seats Heated rear seats Ambient lighting White is the standard exterior paint finish. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The following metallic and premium finishes are available for an additional $500: Black Desert Yellow Spruce Green Jewel Blue Concrete Grey MORE: Everything LDV
Perth Now
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
'Rust-proof' utes under spotlight amid false ad claims
The local distributor of Chinese-made LDV vehicles is being sued for allegedly misleading consumers about how tough and durable their utes and vans are. LDV Australia portrayed its T60 Max ute and G10 van as "tough", "robust" and "built to stand up to the everyday and more" in advertisements shown for five years. The vehicles were shown driving on unsealed roads, beaches, rivers, dirt or gravel terrain. But the consumer watchdog alleges Australian LDV distributor Ateco did not warn consumers the two models rusted or corroded within five years of manufacture. Complaints about the corrosion and rust began months before Ateco first aired the ads in 2019, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said. More than 5000 complaints were received by the company by the time ads ended in November 2024. From 2018 to 2024, LDV's dealerships sold more than 60,000 T60 and G10 vehicle models, generating more than $1.5 billion. Ateco, which trades as LDV Australia, also advertised that the T60 ute could not develop rust or corrosion in the first 10 years of its manufacture, putting a 10-year anti-corrosion warranty on the model between 2019 and 2020, the commission alleged. The roads the models were driving on in the ads fast-tracked rust and corrosion, the commission said. The commission's chairwoman alleged Ateco's advertising - which ran on television, radio and online - might have caused harm to consumers. "Consumers rightfully expect that the vehicle they purchase will live up to the quality and uses that it was advertised to include," Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. "They lost the opportunity to make an informed decision that may have involved purchasing an alternative vehicle that did not carry the same risks." LDV Australia said it was disappointed the consumer watchdog had taken the issue to the Federal Court. "For 18 months, LDV Australia has been engaged in good discussions with the commission to resolve its concerns, and to provide remedies to consumers," general manager Dinesh Chinnappa said in a statement. "It is disappointing this process has ended in these legal proceedings ... and we look forward to defending the (commission's) allegations in court." Ateco has imported cars to Australia since 1985 and distributes Chinese-manufactured LDV vehicles through 102 dealerships across the country.
7NEWS
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
LDV Automotive Australia accused of misrepresenting durability of T60 and G10 models following rust concerns
A popular car company is accused of misleading Australian buyers about the quality of its vehicles after it emerged that thousands of complaints had been made about rust and corrosion. The consumer watchdog alleges Ateco Automotive, which trades as LDV Automotive Australia, promoted LDV-branded T60 utes and G10 vans (excluding the eT60 model) as 'durable and tough, and that they were suitable for use in, near, or on, a variety of environments and off-road terrains'. Between 2019 and 2024, online, TV, radio and social media advertisements portrayed the vehicles on beaches, near lakes and rivers, and on unsealed roads, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) claims. An example of one allegedly misleading statement included: 'The T60 is up to any challenge you care to take on — work or play, on-road or off... It turns the toughest tracks into a walk in the park.' The ACCC said the rust and corrosion issue, which tended to happen 'within the first five years' of the cars being built, contradicted the sales pitch that the vehicles were 'durable and tough'. It said the problems 'increased' for cars taken off-road and actually used on the same surfaces as those in the promotions. It also alleges that LDV misled buyers when it advertised a 10-year anti-corrosion warranty between 2019 and 2020, saying by that point 'LDV was aware that rust or corrosion issues were prevalent in the T60 and G10 vehicle models'. Thousands of complaints More than 5000 consumer complaints about those exact issues were reported in those two models between 2018 and 2024, the ACCC said. 'We allege that despite being aware of the propensity for the vehicles to rust, LDV continued to make representations for a number of years that the T60 and G10 vehicles were durable and suitable for use in a variety of terrains,' ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. 'As a result, we allege that LDV's conduct is likely to have caused harm to affected consumers, including because the propensity for rust or corrosion lowered the value of their vehicles, and because consumers lost the opportunity to make an informed decision that may have involved purchasing an alternative vehicle that did not carry the same risks.' The ACCC argues LDV breached Australian consumer law and is seeking 'penalties, declarations, consumer redress, costs and other orders' through proceedings in the Federal Court. LDV Australia's general manager Dinesh Chinnappa said the company had engaged in 'good faith discussions' with the commission for 18 months to resolve concerns and 'provide remedies to consumers'. 'It is disappointing this process has ended in these legal proceedings,' Chinnappa said. 'LDV Australia takes its obligations under Australian consumer law seriously, and we look forward to defending the ACCC's allegations in court.' Ateco is the exclusive importer of LDV-branded vehicles in Australia, and distributes those cars through 102 dealerships throughout Australia. LDV's dealerships sold more than 60,000 T60 and G10 models between 2018 and 2024. Ateco also works with Maserati, Ram and Renault in Australia.
