Morris Minor returns to NZ, as EV van
The Morris Commercial JE van is based on the 1950s model (left). Photos: Morris Commercial
The Morris Minor is part of New Zealand’s transport history, with many of us having owned the British car and it still has a strong following today. And there’s good news for fans of the icon: it’s back and coming Downunder.
The Morris Minor car was built between 1948 and 1971 and a van joined the line-up in 1953 alongside a convertible and wagon.
There is still love for the car in New Zealand thanks to the nostalgia of learning to drive in the vehicle, or in my case, my first car; a hand-me-down from one of my mum’s friends. (Unfortunately, it doesn’t last long, with the gearbox dying in the middle of a busy intersection!)
In the last year, the Morris Minor has been listed 197 times on Trade Me, with a median price of $7598 with the wagon being the most expensive.
The Morris JE Van has an electric range of 400km.
If you are after a new Morris, there is an electric version heading to New Zealand, but instead of the car, it’s based on the 1950s J-Type Van.
The JE van was created by British start-up company Morris Commerical which is based in the UK Midlands, close to the original Oxford heartland of the spiritual predecessor.
Its mission is to revive the historic and iconic Morris Commercial marque, but fully engineered for the 21st century.
The JE van, which takes its fundamental design cues from one of the most loved commercial vehicles ever produced in Britain, incorporates innovative state-of-the-art technologies, with a zero-emission, pure electric drivetrain, combining to make the vehicle carbon-neutral over its entire life cycle.
The electric van has a modern interior.
Morris Commercial’s senior consultant, John Killick, exclusively told AutoMuse that the company knew the history of the Morris Minor in New Zealand. And he has great news for Kiwi fans.
“We do plan to sell it in New Zealand but it will probably not be until 2025, after UK and EU market entry,” said Killick.
The company unveiled its first concept prototype Morris JE Nov 2019, showcasing a full-battery electric van for the 21st century with the style, charm and charisma of the famous 1950s van upon which it is based.
The vehicle immediately received worldwide acclaim, and to prove the practicality and functionality of the JE, a fully road-worthy Morris JE prototype has already travelled across the UK and Ireland.
Boasting class-leading performance and range, the JE has an unparalleled combination of a 1-tonne payload and 6.5 m3 carrying capacity at a 2.5-tonne GVW and a driving range of up to 400km.
It is also packed with safety, technology and comfort features such as side and rear vision cameras, an infotainment system plus a beautifully crafted interior.
The Morris Commercial JE Van has been touring the UK.
