Alvis Expects Follow-On Orders For Bv206S (June 18)
Earlier this year the German procurement agency, Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung (BWB) signed an order for 31 Bv206S all-terrain vehicles, valued at approximately 120 MSEK, with Hägglunds Vehicle AB, part of the Alvis Group.
This project is a co-operation between Hägglunds Vehicle AB and the German Company Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. This order forms a part of a larger project for Germany's future requirement, which totals approximately 200 vehicles. The first batch of vehicles will be used as ambulances in the German Airborne units.
Bv206S is an armoured variant of the Bv206, of which Hägglunds Vehicle has built more than 11,000 units and exported to 40 countries world-wide. The German Army currently has 168 Bv206 vehicles amongst their fleet. These new armoured vehicles will be used as ambulances in the German Army's rapid reaction forces for international services.
The Bv206S has a load capacity of 1550 kg. A trailer of 2500 kg gross weight can also be towed. The front and rear units are connected by a unique hydraulic steering linkage, which gives great flexibility in all axles and extremely good manoeuvrability. The simplicity in the handling of the vehicle involves a minimum of driver training. The vehicle can be air dropped and transported by a variety of aircraft and helicopters.
Sven Kågevall, President of Hägglunds Vehicle, said:
"With this German Bv206S order we can firmly state that the armoured all-terrain vehicle has really penetrated the European market. Apart from Germany, we have sold the Bv206S to Sweden, Spain, France and Italy. In several of these countries additional future orders have already been budgeted for in procurement planning and Hägglunds Vehicle anticipates a growing marketing potential for armoured all-terrain vehicles, especially for rapid reaction forces intended for international services.
"Armoured all-terrain vehicles which have the ability to safely transport personnel and equipment to remote and inaccessible places, are the product for the future, with huge market potential."
Hägglunds Vehicle AB is wholly owned by Alvis plc. The Hägglunds Vehicle Group comprises Hägglunds Vehicle AB in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, Hägglunds Moelv AS in Norway and a 50% share in Patria Hägglunds Oy, Finland. The Hägglunds Vehicle Group employs around 1000 personnel and had a turnover of SEK 1.2 billion (¤130 million).
Alvis plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is involved with the design and production of armoured fighting vehicles and other specialist military vehicles. The Alvis Group turnover in 2001 was £150 million (¤232 million).
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Export Success For Hägglunds Vehicle Bv206s -- See It At Eurosatory 2002
