LDV shows Maxus minibus expansionLDV is underlining its minibus market-leadership with the launch of a new 17-seat Maxus minibus - displayed for the first time at last week's Commercial Vehicle Show.

The Maxus minibus range now includes 12, 15 and 17-seat models as well as an accessible range including 12 and 15-seat derivatives.

Designed to provide true flexibility for operators, each vehicle can be tailored by LDV's special vehicle operations (SVO) department to meet exact requirements.

Steve Young, LDV's chief executive, believes the addition of the new 17-seat version will provide customers with an option whatever their needs.

He said: "LDV has a fine pedigree in the minibus market. Our engineers have years of experience delivering solid and safe passenger transport solutions. Our aim is to build on this experience to deliver unique products for the UK and global marketplaces."

Every Maxus minibus in the 12, 15 and 17-seat range comes with: l All forward facing Isringhausen M-Viro seats with integral all generation' lap and diagonal seatbelts l ABS and EBD l Driver and front passenger airbags l Best in class side load door and rear door widths plus reduced step well height l Sliding side load door l First aid kit and fire extinguisher l Extra High roof for increas-ed comfort (extra high on the 15 and 17 seat models) l Full headlining and body-side interior lining l Class-leading cost of ownership and choice of warranty packages l 2.5 CDi common rail, direct injection, turbo-charged intercooled engines - 95bhp and 120bhp l 20,000-mile service intervals The 17-seat Maxus minibus also has an emergency door on the driver's side and a large four-seat back row.

LDV's 12-seat factory-built Maxus accessible bus has an internal tail lift with all nine rear single saloon seats fitted on quick release mountings for maximum flexibility. There is room for two full-size wheelchairs within a VOSA defined floor spacing and six seated passengers. Other features include an Unwin Innotrax flooring system, high visibility grab handles at the entrance and on each seat head restraint and a push-up translucent roof ventilator.

n LDV celebrated the expansion of its Maxus minibus range with the announcement of a new order for 200 new minibuses. National Car Rental has placed an order for 200 15-seat Maxus minibuses, which will be specially converted in LDV's Birmingham factory to include a rear luggage cage.

National Car Rental is the leading provider of van rental services in the vehicle rental industry and gives businesses nationwide access to a fleet of vehicles for the time they are needed, for as long as they are needed, with customisations offered for any size of fleet. LDV has provided vehicles to National for over ten years.

Tim Bailey, National's vice-president fleet, said: "National branded vans can already be seen on many high streets and motorways and this latest agreement helps us to extend our penetration of this important sector even further."

Tony Lewis, LDV's sales and marketing director, says the new order underlines LDV's market-leading minibus credentials. "Our success is built on the fact that we listen to our customers and then build vehicles to meet their exact requirements and budget."

LDV will also supply Nation-al with 560 Maxus vans.