New workhorse enters bakkie market
Single-cab bakkies remain an important tool for businesses and workers across southern Africa, particularly in agriculture, construction, mining, municipalities and the trades.
LDV South Africa has entered this market with the T60 Utility Single Cab, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel bakkie priced from around N$300 000.
The model's positioning is of interest to Namibians, where bakkies are widely used for work in sectors ranging from farming and construction to tourism and service businesses.
The T60 Utility produces 120kW and 410Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.
The bakkie has a claimed payload capacity of up to 1 170kg and a braked towing capacity of 3 000kg. Its 73-litre fuel tank is designed to give operators greater range between fuel stops, while LDV quotes fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100km on the highway and 8.7 litres per 100km in urban driving.
For operators who regularly move between town and more demanding work sites, the availability of a 4x4 version could be particularly relevant.
The T60 Utility is 5,395mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,830mm high, with a 3,155mm wheelbase. The cabin includes air conditioning and a Bluetooth-enabled radio, while selectable Eco, Power and Normal driving modes allow drivers to adjust the vehicle's response to different conditions.
Safety equipment includes driver and front passenger airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, a differential lock, hydraulic power steering, a high-mounted brake light and rear fog lamp.
Practical and priced right
LDV South Africa chief executive Gerhard Moolman said the new model was intended to give business owners and fleet operators a practical commercial vehicle without moving into a higher price bracket. “With the launch of the T60 Utility Single Cab, we're strengthening our commitment to South Africa's commercial vehicle market by delivering a dependable workhorse that combines capability, practicality and value,” Moolman said.
LDV entered the Southern African market in 2024 and has since expanded its range of commercial and lifestyle vehicles. Its current line-up includes the T60 Double Cab, Terron 9, D90 seven-seater SUV, Deliver 9 panel van and G10 commercial vehicle.
The brand traces its origins to Leyland DAF Vans and is now part of SAIC Motor.
For Namibian businesses considering workhorse vehicles, the key question is ultimately be how the T60 Utility's pricing, specifications, availability and after-sales support translate to the local market. The South African launch provides an indication of where LDV sees an opportunity: a practical single-cab aimed squarely at people who use their vehicles as working tools rather than lifestyle accessories.
For more info, visit ldv-motors-nam.com or call 085 233 3021.
