LDV is a division of SAIC (Shanghai Automobile and Industrial Corporation), the largest automotive manufacturer in China. A Fortune Global 500 company, SAIC sold almost 6 million vehicles in 2015 and has formed joint ventures with Volkswagen and General Motors. In 2009 SAIC acquired the commercial vehicles division of British Motor Corporation which included the LDV platform. In addition to produc
tion of the LDV, SAIC sells vehicles under a variety of badges. Brand names that are exclusive to SAIC include MG, Roewe, and Yuejin. Products produced by SAIC joint venture companies are sold under other marques including Buick, Chevrolet, Iveco, Skoda, Volkswagen and Wuling. The SAIC Group also has interests in a number of vehicle component businesses as well as supporting automotive services such as automotive financing. An important focus of the SAIC Group today is in the development of innovative new automotive energy systems. 2012 saw the introduction of the first SAIC-manufactured all-electric vehicle, fulfilling the promise of zero-emission vehicles, with further developments underway for the launch of a plug-in hybrid vehicle in the near future. Through a spirit of independent innovation and focus on consumer and environmental demands, the SAIC Group is now Forbes magazine's 10th most powerful automotive company in the world. LDV is one of Europe's most recognised commercial vehicle brands. Not only has LDV had sales success as a cargo and passenger van, it has been selected by the British government for use by the Royal Bank and Royal Mail.
