When you put your foot down on the accelerator of the LDV’s T60 Max double cab, it is quite evident why Namibian consumers are steadily migrating to Chinese automotive brands. 

You feel an immediate exhilaration as adrenalin rushes through your body in response to the superb performance oozing from the T60 Max’s 2 litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing an impressive 160kW and 500Nm. 

The T60, available at LDV Namibia, which forms part of the M&Z Motors stable, is the apex of LDV’s T60 range. The top of the range bakkie boasts reliable 4×4 and general off-road capability coupled with a suite of advanced features including a 360-degree camera. 

The T60 Bakkie range is designed for those who demand more from their vehicles. Available in multiple models including the T60 Pro, Elite, and Max, each variant is engineered to cater to varying needs, from heavy-duty work to adventurous off-roading. 

Looking at and experiencing the ever-evolving LDV brand, it is no surprise that global carmakers have been put on notice regarding the elevation of Chinese brands such as LDV. 

There is no doubt Chinese brands such as LDV have caught up with and in many cases even surpassed global automobile standards. 

With LDV’s new range of dependable and powerful workhorses each T60 model comes equipped with a reverse camera, three-ton braked towing capacity, a touch-screen entertainment system, six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, smart phone connectivity with apple carplay, cruise control, and led daytime running lights. 

With these features as standard, the LDV vehicles rate comfortably high on luxury, reliability and affordability. This is not that much of a surprise considering LDV is actually one of the oldest automotive companies in the world, producing their first vehicle in 1896. 

The LDV Group, formerly Leyland DAF Vans, was a British van manufacturer based in Washwood Heath, Birmingham and was historically part of Rover Group and Leyland DAF. 

As a result of the global financial crisis in 2008 and a lack of long-term investment, production was suspended at the LDV factory in December2008. After a series of failed rescue attempts, the intellectual property rights were sold by administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers to Eco Concept in 2009, who sold them to SAIC Motor in 2010, with its Maxus subsidiary commencing production in China in March 2011. 

Today in Namibia, the latest official figures indicate Chinese brands for 118 vehicles sold in May 2025, representing almost 12% of market share, up from merely 5% in May 2024. 

Local analysts have conceded that Chinese automakers have emerged as serious contenders in major domestic motoring segments. This reflects growing consumer willingness to consider alternatives that combine affordable pricing, modern design, and increasingly reliable after-sales support. 

Domestic consumers are also increasingly shifting toward practicality and cost efficiency, where Chinese brands are successfully positioning themselves. 

Overall, LDV is becoming a true and trusted name in the domestic automotive industry and is becoming increasingly popular for producing reliable vehicles for everyday driving, work sights, and off-road adventures.