CHINESE brands have struggled to find traction in Australia, and LDV – the former British Leyland DAF Vehicles that has been acquired and rebuilt by number one Chinese auto-maker Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) – is no exception.

Now under a new distributor, Ateco Automotive, after an aborted start under WMC, LDV Automotive Australia is ramping up its model range and expanding its dealer network to reach more customers.

Its first offering here, the V80 large van launched in 2013, has now gained a six-speed automated gearbox on all variants as an alternative to the five-speed manual, along with two commuter bus variants in 11- and 14-seat guises.

And with several other new models in the pipeline and dealerships in all states, Ateco is hoping LDV has reached a tipping point on the path to a solid future in Australia.

The question is whether its products have what it takes against the established players.

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