March 8, 2004

Mercedes-Benz Canada to supply G-wagons to the Canadian military

Toronto, Ontario - Mercedes-Benz Canada has been chosen to supply approximately 800 Light Utility vehicles to the Canadian military to replace the Iltis in operationally tasked Field Force units and training establishments. The G270 CDI Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW) G-Wagon, also known as the Gelaendewagen, which means cross country vehicle in German, is manufactured by DaimlerChrysler at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria.

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The G-Wagon was developed for military applications and has been continuously updated with new technology. A truly rugged off-road vehicle, it can carry up to four soldiers, their military kits, weapons and other military and radio equipment. Powered by the latest common rail diesel technology, the 5 cylinder inline turbocharged intercooled G270 CDI engine meets the Department of National Defence (DND)'s fuel efficiency and exhaust emission requirements.

While the majority of vehicles will be used in support and administrative roles, the G-wagon is specifically designed to accommodate an armoured protection system (APS) which can be installed in a matter of hours. Although all vehicles are fitted to accept the APS kit, a minimum of 150 kits will be purchased for use, as required, on deployed operations and missions throughout the world.

The permanent 4x4 all-wheel drive G-wagon's GVW is 4.8 tons and will be configured in three variants: Basic Vehicle, Command and Reconnaissance and Military Police. Both on and off road, it will be used for transport of personnel, for towing trailers or carrying loads up to 750 kg. The vehicle has a 40 degree approach angle, a gradeability of 60%, a 25°tilt angle and three lockable differentials which allows it to perform in the most demanding conditions.

Over 60,000 military G-wagons have been sold to NATO allies and armies around the world. Built to withstand extreme stress in the field, the G-wagon's resilience has been proven time and again in the most extreme conditions.

The first 60 vehicles were deployed in Kabul, Afghanistan at the beginning of March, and an additional 40 vehicles will be delivered to DND by the end of the month.

President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, Marcus Breitschwerdt, commented, "Mercedes-Benz Canada is very pleased to be the chosen supplier for this important Canadian Land Force project. The due diligence process was extremely stringent and we are particularly proud that our vehicles met all the rigorous requirements. " He added, "Many are familiar with the G500 street version of the G-wagon, which was introduced in Canada in 2001 as a luxury SUV. What most don't know is that the G-wagon was originally designed for military purposes and was subsequently - and very successfully - adapted for civilian use."

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