Loadhopper heading for DFSK dealerships

The first batch of Chinese manufacturer DFSK’s Loadhopper microvans and mini trucks are being dispatched to dealers, 100 having arrived at Southampton docks. This represents a real milestone as it’s the first major importation of Chinese-built vehicles to the UK and parallels are being drawn with the 1970s when Japanese cars began arriving in earnest. A second delivery of 200 is already in transit and will land just before Xmas.

“This is a tremendous opportunity,” said DFSK UK executive chairman Jim Tyrell. “We are entering a new phase in the history of the UK vehicle market with the arrival of the first Chinese vehicles. We believe we have found an outstanding partner in terms of product range and vision for the future.”

Since the demise of the Piaggio Porter in the UK some five years ago there’s been a microvan-sized hole in the LCV marketplace and this is what DFSK UK is intending to fill with the Loadhopper. Based on the old Suzuki Carry, it’s available as a Van, single or double cab Dropside and a single cab three-way Tipper. Power comes from a 77hp 1.3-litre Euro 5 petrol engine. Prices start at £7,999 for the Van and £9,999 for the Tipper.

Loadhopper Van comes with twin sliding side doors and a top-hinged rear tailgate, and has a remarkably tight 8.8m turning circle. It offers in excess of 3.0m³ of load space and a gross payload of 590kg. Load length is 3,795mm, maximum width is 1,560mm and height is 1,925mm. Payload for the single cab Dropside is an impressive 930kg while the Tipper can handle a not insubstantial 630kg. For more information see previous News Story.

There are currently 24 DFSK sales and service outlets, bolted on to existing Mitsubishi and Suzuki dealerships, and the aim is to increase this number to around 40 over the coming year. Sales expectations for the first full are conservative at 1,000 units, rising to 5,000 by 2016.

Jack Arkley, dealer operations manager said: “We are very pleased with the high level of interest received from the dealers we have contacted; and the number of enquiries taken from interested parties who have heard about our plans in the UK. They recognise the incredible opportunity that this represents.”

Having landed at Southampton, the Loadhoppers are prepared for delivery to dealerships by specialist company YA Logistics at its dock-side facility before being loaded on to Autologic vehicle transporters. Our thanks go to both companies for their co-operation during our video shoot.

Managing director Bart Raats was on hand to see the first transporter full of Loadhoppers leave the PDI centre and we pointed a microphone in his direction.