Yorkshire firm creates new jobs with “impressive” £3m luxury vehicle brand

Driving to work in style is set to be ‘taken up a notch’ this summer with the launch of an “impressive” fleet of luxury commercial vehicles.

Apache Automotive specialises in providing their clients with bespoke conversions of the Land Rover Defender, VW Transporter and Ford Transit Van, adding a range of premium features not usually associated with commercial vehicles.

Apache is the brainchild of Yorkshire entrepreneur Steve MacDonald, who heads up SM UK, a commercial vehicle safety solutions company. Steve is also one of the main sponsors for the Leeds Rhinos, who will be supporting his latest venture.

The £3m project is set to launch with an exhibit at Victoria Gate Leeds between July 20 and 23. Apache Automotive has already created 12 new jobs, a number which is expected to rise in the next 18 months.

Several Leeds Rhinos players will be in attendance on July 21 and 22 and visitors will be able to get a first-hand look at two Land Rover Defenders, which have both undergone a remarkable Apache transformation as well as the Apache Ford Custom which will be on display outside Victoria Gate.

Commercial director at Leeds Rhinos Rob Oates commented: “Steve MacDonald is a great friend and partner of the club and many of our fans and members. We are delighted to announce that Apache is now an Associate Club Partner of Leeds Rhinos.

“Apache is a really exciting and vibrant company and we are thrilled to announce that the Apache brand will be on the Leeds Rhinos playing shirts. We wish Steve and Apache every success and are really grateful for their support.”

The Apache project has taken three years for Steve and his team to develop and perfect and has been designed to satisfy a gap in the market for a more high-spec commercial vehicle. The service will be available nationwide, allowing clients ranging from blue chip companies to individuals to take advantage of Apache’s team of technicians and craftsmen.

Typical upgrades include “luxurious” captain-style seats using plush Italian Nappa leather hide, retrimmed dash, door panels and steering wheels, automatic gearboxes and 170PS Ecoboost diesel engines.

Speaking ahead of the July launch, Steve added: “Anyone that spends a large chunk of their day sitting in a commercial vehicle will tell you that it’s the minute details that really make a difference.

“The idea behind Apache was to take luxury to the next level and provide jaw-dropping specific features with flawless customer service, giving our clients the chance to drive vehicles they can truly be proud of.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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