LDV is working through local validation testing for its upcoming Terron 9 diesel ute and the sibling eTerron 9 electric model, and the brand has stated its intent with the larger dual-cab pick-up i
The new Terron 9 and eTerron 9 models are due to arrive together in 2025, with full details on pricing and specs to be determined then.
But the Chinese brand – part of SAIC Motor – has stood for value for many years in this market, and the business clearly understands the importance of fleet customers when considering a new ute.
“Fleet buyers are important to us and, as we do with our vans, we will offer Fleet Sales support packages for the new LDV eTerron 9 electric ute and LDV Terron 9 next-generation diesel ute,” said LDV Australia General Manager, Dinesh Chinnappa.
Mr Chinnappa said the new larger ute – which measures 5500mm long, bigger than a Ranger or HiLux and close in size to the GWM Cannon Alpha – will be sold alongside the existing T60 Max ute range which will continue to offer a strong value focus.
“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 Mr 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,” he said.
“With the new-generation Terron 9 ute, LDV Australia is well placed to offer fleet customers a larger, more advanced, and more capable vehicle than before – with the choice of electric or diesel power, whichever best suits their needs.
“Early indications are there is strong demand in certain sections of the fleet sector for an electric or a diesel ute that is larger and roomier than the current range of vehicles in that segment.
“As a pioneer in the electric ute space in Australia we have seen the potential in the market, but we also know fleets want choice, and that’s why we will offer both electric and diesel versions of the new-generation LDV Terron 9 ute series,” Mr Chinnappa said.
Unusually for the segment, the new Terron ute runs a pick-up only design with a unibody layout, rather than an added-on tub or tray at the rear behind the passenger cabin area. That could, indeed, be a turn-off for some fleet customers who wish to build their own bodies on the back.
The vehicles are currently undergoing ‘final validation’ testing for the advanced safety systems including speed-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, and other electronic aids, with LDV stating that its testing has been conducted across “major arterials and backroads in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as the metropolitan areas and outskirts of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane”.
The pre-sale validation, according to Mr Chinnappa, is evidence of the importance that the local market plays in the broader scheme of things.
Australian sales will open ahead of the Terron 9 and eTerron 9 making their local debut in mid-2025.
For reference, here is a table of dimensions so you can see how the existing ute range and new model line compare – though this doesn’t include the T60 Mega Tub model, which features a longer tub and is one of the biggest utes in the segment.
| T60 Plus | Terron 9 / eTerron 9 | |
| Length | 5395mm | 5500mm |
| Wheelbase | 3175mm | 3300mm |
| Height | 1819mm | 1860mm |
| Width (body) | 1900mm | 1997mm |
Further details are still to be confirmed, including powertrains, fuel use, capacities and more.
