Becoming an LDV franchise will complement MAN TGE sales, rather than threaten them, according to commercial vehicle dealer group HRVS.
HRVS Group operations director Keith Sims (pictured) said: “We see it as an alternative to stop people from walking out of the dealership if we can’t persuade them to have an MAN van. It has certainly worked well for us with the MAN/Isuzu relationship.”
Sims, who took on the LDV franchise in March and has employed three dedicated sales staff, is surprised by the quality of the V80. He said: “Its VM engine has its origins in the Range Rover. It’s really torquey, and runs through a 6-speed Hyundai gearbox.
"It comes with air conditioning, a reversing bleeper, electric windows and cruise control as standard. The price is right, and there’s a five-year/125,000-mile warranty. That’s almost getting into Kia territory in regards to assurances. It is very good.”
Until August HRVS is enhancing the package by throwing in three free services and a forward-facing camera with each van. HRVS is also getting a lot of interest in the EV80 all-electric van, especially from local councils looking for minibuses to use on school runs. Although they cost about £50,000, there is an £8,000 government grant available.
