Getting to know Maxus, a carmaker with British origins

About 10 years ago, Chinese carmakers in the Philippine market were few and far between. This was a time when these Chinese brands were introducing themselves with vehicles that are more affordable than Japanese models.

Although the introductions were met with mixed degrees of optimism, they didn't leave a lasting impression. 

Today, it's safe to assume that Chinese carmakers have improved their products, in terms of styling, features, and — more crucially — reliability. A look into the streets and sales charts will show you that as more people buy and trust Chinese vehicles, more brands from the country arrive to claim market share. 

Maxus is among these brands that has crossed a certain disputed body of water. 

The Maxus brand traces its British roots to as far back as the Leyland Steam Van in 1896, followed by the start of Leyland Motors in 1907. This company was eventually renamed LDV after company mergers.

LDV then expanded its products to include sedans, buses and other commercial vehicles throughout its long history in the United Kingdom.  In late 2004, the Maxus nameplate first appeared with the launch of the prototype Maxus LD100 van. 

But in the years that followed, LDV was sold by its owners to a Chinese company in 2009, who then sold it to large carmaker group SAIC Motor in 2010. In the following year, SAIC rolled out new Maxus vehicles to mark the birth of a separate car company. 

Currently, Maxus is present in Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Africa. Under the LDV name, the brand is alive  in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Here in the Philippines, Maxus is marketed by AC Industrials, a company owned by the Ayala Corporation (AC), since 2019. The British-Chinese brand joins other brands under the company, such as Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Kia, and KTM motorcycles.

Maxus Philippines has a lineup of two SUVs (D90, D60), an MPV (G50), a pickup trucks (T60), and two vans (G10, V80). Each of these models come with various highlights to make them stand out in the market. 

For example, the D90 seven-seater SUV cabin comes equipped with a wealth of creature comforts that befit its upscale positioning.  Among these amenities are a 12-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, eight speakers, keyless entry and push start, and cruise control.

Plugged as a capable pickup, the T60 is powered by a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine that generates a maximum power of 150ps and peak torque of 360Nm. These numbers are achieved with the help of the engine's variable geometric turbo (VGT) technology. 

The G50 MPV has everything a family needs for enjoyable and safe journeys. The G50's cabin features a panoramic sunroof to give the occupants a sense of openness, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment system with USB cable or Bluetooth connectivity. 

Along with a spacious cabin, the G50 is also packed with advanced safety features, such as double layer welding body technology dual front airbags and side airbags, Isofix attachment points, and a 360-degree view camera with parking sensors. 

With a varied history and attractive product lineup, Maxus is indeed an interesting brand addition to the local scene. 

Photos from Maxus Philippines, LDV, Leyland Motors