MAN Truck and Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MTBM) has just announced it is partnering exclusively with AVP Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd (AVP), a subsidiary of CB Industrial Product Holding Bhd to supply MAN 4×4 light and medium series trucks in military configuration to Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence (MOD).This TGM 18.280 4X4 will be MAN’s first CKD military trucks in Malaysia
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Hartmut Muller, Managing Director of MTBM with Tengku Dato’ Ardy Esfandiari, the Managing Director of AVP during the 15th Defence Services Asia exhibition and conference (DSA 2016) to mark the collaboration.
“As the backbone of an army’s transportation system, trucks are not just for hauling of weapons, ammunition and supplies but also to ensure faster and safer travel for the army’s personnel over rugged terrains. I am delighted that AVP working together with MAN are able to contribute in this area to meet the needs of our nation’s army”, remarked Ardy.
Under the agreement, AVP which is a licensed and approved military and infantry vehicles’ bodybuilder for the MOD, will undertake bodybuilding work on the MAN TGM 18.280 4X4 BB trucks based on military specifications. The vehicles will be the first completely knocked down (CKD) assembled MAN military trucks in Malaysia and will be used for transportation of armed forces, carriage of goods as well as for other utility transportation and disaster recovery.
“We are proud and excited to collaborate with AVP on this joint project as it brings together two parties with proven expertise and an established reputation in our respective fields to meet the logistics requirements of a modern army. This collaboration is also significant for us as it marks the supply of MAN’s first CKD assembled military trucks for the MOD”, said Mueller.
The MAN TGM truck is well-known for its optimum maneuverability, excellent handling, high load capacity and low loading levels as well as for its dynamic and safe driving characteristics. The high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel drive vehicle is also able to handle one of the deepest water-fording of more than 1,100mm and is equipped with a flexible chassis frame to withstand maximum payload.
Mueller added, “The primary purpose of military transportation vehicles is support. Due to its improved off-road capabilities, the MAN TGM truck is well suited to support transportation of people and goods even in rough terrain and deep water. Lifecycle costs are also significantly lower since TGM trucks are based on commercial models. So synergy effects with regard to spare parts and maintenance will result in substantially lower operating costs.”
In addition to the military configurations, the commissioned CKD trucks will be fitted with various military equipment such as blackout lighting wiring, convoy lights for night operation, watertight starters and special 3-chamber taillights for integration with the blackout lighting.
