LDV South Africa recently hosted an unforgettable Ride & Drive in the Drakensberg, putting its vehicles – and ambitions – firmly in gear.

• Motoring media took the opportunity to test-drive the LDV T60 range across gravel roads, mountain passes, and scenic valleys.
• The Ride & Drive blended lifestyle, performance, and horsepower – literally and figuratively.
• Attendees got a first look at upcoming models like the D90 SUV, Deliver 9 and Terron 9.
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While some automotive brands are still stalling at the intersection of effective communication and product awareness, LDV South Africa has found the accelerator. The brand recently hosted an exclusive Ride & Drive Experience in the majestic Drakensberg mountains – a bold move to not just showcase its growing vehicle line-up, but to create a genuine connection with some of South Africa’s top motoring media.

Over three immersive days, LDV South Africa transported a group of motoring journalists and content creators from Cars.co.za, Autotrader, Sowetan Live, Arena Holdings, TopGear SA, and The Sandton Times into a world that blends rugged capability with refined comfort. From the first rev to the last mountain pass, the event was about more than vehicles – it was about lifestyle, experience, and storytelling.

The journey kicked off at LDV South Africa’s head office, where Chief Operating Officer Neil Barker welcomed the media before the convoy rolled out towards Champagne Sports Resort, nestled deep within the Drakensberg. The drive was no leisurely Sunday cruise. With the T60 Range at their command, attendees navigated winding gravel roads, dramatic inclines, and open stretches – giving every chance to test LDV’s bakkies in their natural environment.

The T60 is already a top seller globally for LDV, with Australia being a key proving ground. It’s a market with conditions that mirror South Africa in more ways than one. The range – including the Pro, Max Lux, and Deluxe – is packed with torque and tech, topped off with an impressive 5-year/200’000 km factory warranty and a 5-year/100’000 km service plan. Whether in manual or auto, especially the latter which dominates the SA market, the T60 proved itself more than ready to take on the country’s diverse terrain. And if you thought this was all LDV had up its sleeve, think again.

Between off-road trailblazing and resort-side hospitality, LDV gave media an exclusive preview of upcoming models that are set to shake up the local landscape. Enter the D90 SUV, a muscular, seven-seater powerhouse loaded with a 160 kW bi-turbo diesel engine, an 8-speed auto gearbox, and three diff-locks for serious 4×4 performance. It’s safety-rated, luxury-laced, and adventure-ready – a best-seller in Australia and soon, perhaps, South Africa.

For commercial buyers, LDV South Africa has plans for a robust line-up too – from cargo-focused models to purpose-built ambulances and hearses. The G10+ and Deliver 9 are already being tailored for niche markets, demonstrating LDV’s versatile approach to the South African consumer.

Drawing on past experiences with GWM, Haval, Chery, and BYD, Neil has steered the LDV ship into clearer, more confident waters. Since March, momentum has been building. April was a bumper month for sales, June picked up speed, and July looks even stronger. A clear media strategy, compelling product pricing, and growing dealer footprint are all contributing to this upward trajectory, as well as solid communication, unlike many other high-lux bakkie brands.

LDV’s dealership strategy is equally sharp. Rather than flooding the market with outlets, Neil aims to establish a tight-knit network of around 30 strong dealerships across South Africa – a move to preserve margins, avoid discount wars, and ensure dealer success. The brand has already taken root in Namibia, and plans are underway for Botswana and Zimbabwe. Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, and Durban are now home to bustling LDV showrooms, with Supertech in Durban even selling out before official launch.

We’re about smart growth. Not volume for the sake of volume. We want each dealer to thrive, not just survive.

// LDV South Africa Chief Operating Officer, Neil Barker

Back on the trail, the Ride & Drive wasn’t all mud and motors. Between technical product walk-arounds, sneak peeks of the Terron 9 (a beastly rival to the BYD Shark and Ford Raptor), and delicious shared meals, LDV created an atmosphere of relaxed authenticity. Horse riding was even added to the itinerary – a tongue-in-cheek nod to the “horsepower vs horse power” debate.

We wanted the media to experience the LDV lifestyle, not just read about it in a press kit. This wasn’t just a product demo – it was an invitation into the world of LDV. Through the Drakensberg’s tranquil surroundings and our hospitality, we created a space for authentic brand connection. LDV is about more than just getting from A to B – it’s about how you feel on the journey.

// LDV South Africa Chief Operating Officer, Neil Barker

That emotional connection may just be LDV’s greatest differentiator in an increasingly crowded market. As South Africans look for vehicles that can handle both business and leisure, LDV appears to be ticking all the boxes: performance, reliability, safety, comfort, and value – all wrapped in a lifestyle-focused narrative that’s hard to ignore. And with more and more motoring brands entering the market, relying on legacy or tired relationships, might see many manufacturers backing the wrong strategic horse.

The Drakensberg experience wasn’t just a scenic escape. It was a signal – loud and clear – that LDV South Africa has arrived, ready to challenge the ordinary and drive boldly into the future. And if this Ride & Drive was any indication, the road ahead looks anything but boring.

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