Maxi-Low splits from body-builder Doyles

Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2014 | Author: Steve Banner

Body-builder Doyles and Maxi-Low have parted company.

The latter is now having its bodies constructed by Allfleet in Loughborough, Leicestershire while the former is producing its own designs at its Thurmaston, Leicester, plant.

Those designs include the Magnus Luton with a body that uses an anodised aluminium framework and thermoplastic composite panels. Loading height is 600mm with a rear step height of just 400mm.

When based on a Vauxhall Movano L3H1 platform cab it offers a 1,400kg payload capacity and a 26m³ cargo area. According to a test conducted by Doyles itself it can achieve 30mpg.

Based on the same platform, the Aduro Luton offers less space (20m³) but can handle more weight (1,495kg). Doyles has also come up with the Cubus and Cubus XL Lutons which can be deployed using Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter as a platform among others.

Maxi-Low's portfolio includes the Maxi-Low Multi Drop and a prototype was on show at the CV Show at the NEC in April. It uses a long-wheelbase Sprinter 313CDI as its base but with a low-frame chassis.

It is produced by Mercedes at its Ludwigsfelde plant in Germany. It allows customers to get close to the low loading height typically offered by front-wheel-drive while enjoying the advantages of rear-wheel-drive and the prestige of running a Sprinter.

Multi Drop's rear loading height is 670mm, rear step height is 480mm and the body offers 21.5m³ of space. Approximate payload is 1100kg.

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