LDV’s Terron 9 ute series is one step closer to Australian showrooms.
Two prototypes of the Terron 9 are in Australia and undergoing final validation ahead of launch by mid-2025.
LDV says eTerron 9 electric ute and an oiler powered by a new-generation diesel will be sold alongside the LDV T60 ute series in Australia.
Engineers have been testing the LDV Terron 9 on a range of Australian roads to validate advanced safety systems such as speed-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance and other electronic aids.
The test route has included major arterials and back roads of NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as the metropolitan areas and outskirts of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“The purpose of this validation test is to ensure the new-generation LDV Terron ute series is ready for Australian driving conditions,” LDV’s Dinesh Chinnappa said.
He said the arrival of these vehicles for final validation shows the factory recognises the importance of the Australian market.
Figures show the LDV Terron 9 ute is longer, wider, taller and roomier than the recently updated LDV T60 Plus.
At 5500mm in length Terron is 105mm longer than the T60 Plus, 97mm wider and 41mm higher, with a wheelbase that is 125mm longer
Why retain the T60, especially the electric version of the ute which has only sold in small numbers?
“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,” Chinnappa said.
“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.”
Prices and specifications for the LDV eTerron 9 electric ute and the LDV Terron 9 new-generation diesel ute will be announced closer to Australian showroom deliveries.
“Certain segments of the ute market are not only ready for an electric ute, they’ve been pleading for one.
“Particularly fleets and mining companies who want a factory-built, turn-key solution straight off the showroom floor, rather than a diesel vehicle that has been converted to electric power.”
The LDV eT60 electric ute has recorded just 100 sales since it went on sale in late 2022.
It’s not surprising with a price tag of $92,990.
But the company has high expectations for the all-new LDV eTerron 9.
“This is a completely different vehicle, inside and out.
“We are proud that the LDV eT60 was the first electric ute in Australian showrooms, but we are also proud to demonstrate just how far electric ute technology has progressed with this all-new model.”
The eTerron 9 offers a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of 620kg.
With two electric motors, 125kW at the front and 200kW at the rear), it has a combined output of 325kW (436 hp).
The lithium-ion phosphate battery has a 102 kWh capacity supports DC fast charging at a rate of up to 115kW (154 hp), allowing it to go from 20 to 80 percent in 40 minutes.
The 2.5-litre turbo four cylinder diesel version produces 164kW and around 500Nm of torque, and is hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.
Once final validation testing of the LDV eTerron 9 electric ute and LDV Terron 9 new-generation diesel ute are complete, LDV Automotive Australia expects the first shipments to arrive in the second quarter of 2025, pending any delays.
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