Once a division of the British Motor Corporation (BMC), Maxus arrived in South Africa last year under the auspices of the CMH group, which is looking to offer South African business owners an opportunity to stand apart from the industry giants with a stylish new range of pick-ups and panel vans.

In 2009 SAIC (formerly known as the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), once the largest Chinese automaker, took over the Maxus brand due to the economic turmoil faced by the British automotive sector.

While it’s manufactured in China, the company believe that the Maxus commercial vehicle range still retains its British design and technological heritage. Looking to the FMCG sector as well as small business operators like plumbers, electricians and installations companies, Maxus hopes that its latest V80 1,5-ton pick-up and V80 panel van tick all the right boxes when it comes to shopping for a new business tool.

The panel van in particular will appeal to operators that require ample storage for equipment or goods, as well as the ability to safely lock the vehicle knowing that it won’t be as easily broken into as a pick-up with a canopy.

The V80 is also quite lavishly appointed in terms of comfort, convenience and safety features for its driver and co-drivers as air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes and a suite of airbags are available to keep cargo and pilots safe and sound. Measuring 4 950mm in length, 2 132mm in height and 1 998mm in width, it stands large and resplendent and will make for a good moving billboard for a business if wrapped or painted in with logos or promotional quips.

While it is large and able, the Maxus V80 does find itself doing battle in quite a viscous segment, which means that at R299 900 for the entry level models it’s going to have to prove itself as a reliable workhorse for SA’s climatic and topographic conditions.

CMH is confident that it has the ability to satisfy any issues that customers may have with their vehicles, which bodes well for the Maxus brand in the years to come. The company also recently announced that it has strengthened its team by the appointing a new highly experienced Brand Manager. Marc Spaull, who cut his teeth in the retail banking industry, recently joined Maxus after a career of more than 30 years in the highly competitive field of vehicle and asset financing, first with Ford Credit and Santam Bank before moving to Bankfin and later Absa Bank.

“We welcome Marc to the team,” said Craig Lanham-Love, COO of MG/ Maxus. “He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in vehicle finance and asset management and this will stand him in good stead in his new position as brand manager for Maxus in South Africa.” Maxus currently has twelve dedicated dealers spread throughout South Africa and its range includes a luxury people carrier, everyday people carrier, logistics vehicle and a dropside carrier, with prices running from R299 900 to R399 900.