LDV launched its own campervan at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show.

Based on the LDV V80 long-wheelbase high-roof panel van, the Maxus Explorer is a two-berth rear lounge conversion. It was converted in the UK by MK Leisure of Stoke-on-Trent.

The layout is conventional, with a rear lounge adapting into a transverse double bed at night, a side kitchen, and a washroom behind the driver’s seat. The specification includes a 50-litre compressor fridge, 110Ah leisure battery, 54-litre onboard fresh water tank, 60W solar panel, Thetford Triplex cooker with oven/grill, 3m awning, extractor fan and a TV aerial.

The LDV van – built by SAIC Motor in China – comes with a five-year/125,000-mile warranty and five years’ roadside assistance, while the warranty on the conversion is also five years. Cab spec includes electric windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors, while the power unit is a 2.5-litre 134bhp diesel with six-speed manual gearbox.

The Maxus Explorer will be available through any LDV van dealer in the UK and is expected to retail for under £40k. Longer term, LDV plans to market a wholly-Chinese SAIC-built motorhome in Britain.