Another Chinese bakkie is launching in South Africa soon

Another Chinese car brand is coming to South Africa with plans to launch its double-cab T60 bakkie in May 2024.

LDV is owned by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), one of the largest automobile manufacturers in China.

According to TopAuto, LDV is not the first sub-brand from SAIC to make its way to South Africa.

Earlier in September 2023, it launched Maxus, which serves as a local distributor for its commercial series of fully-electric vehicles like the T90 EV double cab and the eDeliver van and chassis cab.

The LDV T60 shares a very similar design to the Maxus T90 but has an internal combustion engine instead of an electric motor.

It is no surprise that LDV is launching with a bakkie as its first model, given South Africa’s love for the vehicle type.

Bakkies offer a level of versatility that no other vehicle can match. Whether you need to transport goods, accommodate passengers, or embark on adventurous off-road escapades, bakkies cater to various needs.

Pair this with the horrendous road conditions in South Africa, and it’s easy to see why bakkies continue to dominate the monthly best-selling rankings, which include notable mentions such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.

The Chinese automaker announced that it will reveal the final details of the T60’s specifications in April.

However, we can get a glimpse of what to expect by looking at the overseas market. In Australia, LDV currently offers the T60 with a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine that delivers 160kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

The vehicle is available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive and customers can choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

It is 5,365mm in length, 1,809mm in height, and 1,900mm in width, which makes it comparable in size to other popular models like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

It can also tow up to 3,000kg. Interestingly, there are two different leaf-spring suspension packages available in Australia, one for heavy-duty and one for comfort, which determines the maximum carrying capacity of the load bed.

The former can carry up to 935kg, while the latter can carry up to 750kg.

LDV has also confirmed that its vehicles will come with a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan as standard.

The T60 has already undergone local testing, and the company is currently appointing its dealership network in preparation for its launch window in May.

LDV T60

Read: 16 of the best-selling bakkies in South Africa right now