Asia MotorWorks (AMW), India’s third largest heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, unveiled its new range of military vehicles called ‘AMW Defence’ at Defence Expo 2012.
The ‘AMW Defence’ range on display at the show included a 4X4 General Service / Logistics truck, which can be offered with engines ranging from 180bhp to 270bhp. It offers greater mobility over difficult terrain and has a permanent all-wheel drive system for improved traction. In addition, its tiltable cabin is air-conditioned to enhance comfort.
The second vehicle on display was a firefighting truck which meets stringent defence specifications. The vehicle has been developed to control any fire incidence at vital installations and can be offered with engine options ranging from 180bhp to 270bhp.
AMW also displayed a 6X4 heavy duty recovery vehicle, available in 6X6 configuration. This vehicle offers a state-of-the-art hydraulic recovery solution to the Armed Forces. Its unique features include an under-lift and move operation, lighter mounted equipment with high lift capacity and a 210 degree rotation for ease of recovery in challenging terrain.
The company has decided to enter the military trucks market in India given the growing demand for defence vehicles in the country. The Indian Army, which is the third largest in the world, currently has a fleet of more than 150,000 vehicles and buys around 7,000 new trucks every year. The ‘AMW Defence’ range which was developed over a two-year period would be made at the company’s Bhuj plant.
The AMW team that developed the new range of military vehicles is led by John Begg, who has extensive experience in both Europe and Asia in the development of military vehicles, including logistics and armoured vehicles.
AMW is keen on participating in various vehicle programs for the Indian Defence Forces and has the necessary infrastructure at its Bhuj plant, including facilities for product manufacturing, testing and prototyping of bespoke vehicle applications.