Your new LDV dealer in Belfast

04/05/2017

Belfast Truck & Van Ltd was set up in February 2016 to handle the all new LDV franchise. It is a sister company of GUS Commercials, which recently celebrated 10 years in business.

Angus McComish and Billy Miskelly, who are partners in GUS Commercials, teamed up with Eric Magill to form the new company which they felt needed its own identity.

“We wanted it to stand on its own two feet and to cater specifically for LDV,”dealer principal Billy explains.

“LDV was a much-loved British manufacturer before it disbanded in 2009. But now, following its acquisition by SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation) which is the seventh largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, producing over six million vehicles per year, LDV has been revived and has some exciting products coming which I’m sure will appeal to van users. It’s a new beginning for LDV and we hope hard work will bring success for us and the brand.”

Operating from the same premises as GUS Commercials in Mallusk, Belfast Truck & Van Ltd is one of three new LDV dealerships in Northern Ireland. The other two are Eakin Bros Ltd in Claudy and Kearns & Murtagh Ltd in Newry (also Dundalk).

Built for work, the new LDV V80 –which is a restyled version of the old Maxus –boasts a large capacity, efficient designs and class leading comforts. There are four versions available –the 3.2 tonne Low Roof Short Wheel Base, the 3.5 tonne Medium Roof Long Wheel Base, the 3.5 tonne High Roof Long Wheel Base and the Chassis Cab. The VM Eco-D 2.5 engine powers the range. Its highly regarded reputation has made this engine standard equipment in many international vehicle brands around the world, making it a solid choice for the LDV V80. VM Motori is based in Cento, Italy and brings Italian flair and innovation to the V80 project.

Competitively priced and fuel efficient, the V80 comes with a five-year warranty / 125,000 miles and five years Roadside Assistance. Features as standard include: six-speed manual transmission, blue tooth, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, stereo / CD player, electric windows, cruise control, wing mirror indicators, LED daytime driving lights, keyless entry, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and heated wing mirrors.

The Long Wheel Base versions have a 1389 loading capacity. The 136hp vans have forklift and pallet access to the rear as well as a sliding side-door and cargo tie-down points. A new G10 panel van and MPV are due in early 2017.

One of the safest vans on the road, the V80 is constructed of a strong energy-absorbing uni-body made of a high tensile, yet lightweight material, to provide added safety without compromising fuel efficiency. Standard safety equipment includes: dual airbags, rear parking sensors and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Safety hasn’t been forgotten when loading, with the benefit of a single sliding door ensuring loading and unloading can occur on the safest side of the vehicle.

“We’re running five V80s in our (GUS Commercials) hire fleet and the reaction from the public has been very favourable. Price-wise they are very competitive, ranging from just £13,000 to £15,000 +VAT for the High Roof Long Wheel Base. When taking into account that a Mercedes Sprinter will set you back about £23,000, they represent exceptional value for money,”Billy continues.

“Through GUS Commercials, we are able to offer commercial vehicle hire, contract hire, repair and maintenance, sales and parts. This gives the customer competitive leasing options on the LDV range.”

In July, GUS Commercials celebrated 10 years serving the needs of the commercial vehicle industry in Belfast, Northern Ireland and beyond. Specialising in rental, sales, service and parts, the company has earned a reputation for quality, excellence and value-for-money. There are 25 staff employed across both businesses.

In excess of 150 vehicles ranging from small vans to tractor units are available for hire. Whether it’s self-drive rental or contract hire you’re looking for, GUS Commercials has the solution. The company also stocks a wide range of new and used vehicles for sale. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, be sure to call and their friendly and professional staff will endeavour to source it for you.

In addition, GUS Commercials provides 24/7 roadside assistance and a state-of-the-art workshop equipped with all the latest diagnostic equipment. A Mercedes Benz Commercials parts dealer, GUS carries a wide range of parts to repair your vehicle and keep downtime to a minimum. The parts department offers a next-day order service and can supply parts for all makes and models upon request.

“We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the right solution for their needs,”Billy says.

Opening hours at Belfast Truck & Van Ltd and GUS Commercials are from 8.30am to 5pm Monday-Friday and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. Why not give them a call?

Belfast Truck & Van Ltd

22 Central Park,

Mallusk,

Newtownabbey,

BT36 4FS

Telephone: 028 90 831774

Fax: 028 90 847136

Web: www.belfasttruckandvan.com

Taken from Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine, Vol 19 No 9, October/November 2016