LDV Automotive Australia is facing legal action from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which claims the company misled customers over the durability of its T60 ute and G10 van. The core of the issue? Rust.
The Allegations
According to the ACCC, LDV promoted the T60 and G10 as tough, durable vehicles suitable for challenging environments like construction sites, beaches, and off-road terrain. However, the ACCC alleges both models had a high likelihood of developing rust or corrosion within the first five years of manufacture.
Promotional material featured phrases such as:
- “The T60 Ute has the tough build and all the robust features needed to take you anywhere, be it work or play.”
- “G10s are built to stand up to the everyday and so much more.”
These messages, combined with imagery showing the vehicles driving through water, parked by the ocean, or operating on rugged job sites, formed a marketing narrative that the ACCC believes did not reflect the true nature of the vehicles’ long-term durability.
ACCC’s Position
The ACCC alleges LDV misled consumers by not adequately disclosing the rust risks — particularly after the brand was made aware of corrosion concerns as early as April 2019. Despite this, the promotional claims continued for several years, right through to late 2024.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb stated:
“Consumers rightfully expect that the vehicle they purchase will live up to the quality and uses that it was advertised to include. We allege LDV’s conduct is likely to have caused harm to affected consumers… [and] consumers lost the opportunity to make an informed decision.”
Between January 2018 and November 2024, LDV reportedly received over 5,000 complaints related to rust and corrosion, mostly via its dealership network.
LDV’s Response
Dinesh Chinnappa, General Manager of LDV Australia, responded by saying the company had been working in good faith with the ACCC for 18 months in an effort to address the concerns.
“It is disappointing this process has ended in these legal proceedings. LDV Australia takes its obligations under Australian Consumer Law seriously, and we look forward to defending the ACCC’s allegations in court.”
LDV vehicles are currently covered by a 10-year anti-corrosion warranty. However, the ACCC argues that this warranty may have given customers a false sense of security by implying the vehicles did not have a material risk of rust in the first place.
What’s at Stake?
Around 60,000 LDV T60 and G10 vehicles were sold in Australia between 2018 and 2024, generating roughly $1.5 billion in revenue. If the court finds in favour of the ACCC, penalties, declarations, and consumer compensation will be sought from Ateco, the Australian distributor of LDV vehicles.
