Mercedes-Benz presents unmatched defence vehicles and tailored solutions at Africa International Aerospace and Defence 2014
- Driveline Component Kit – bolstering vehicle flexibility and allowing for greater customisation
- Sprinter 4×4 – decisive extra traction under tough conditions
- M-Guard – the safest place to be, on or off the road
- Unimog – maximum mobility in the toughest of terrain
JOHANNESBURG – The Mercedes-Benz stand at this year’s Africa International Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition – taking place from 17-21 September at the Air Force Base in Waterkloof, Centurion – is poised to showcase the manufacturer’s defence offerings, allowing its customers to respond to any and all tactical demands and logistical needs.
“Mercedes-Benz defence vehicles are designed with conflict situations in mind, and this guides us to provide solutions to fulfil the various demands placed by different missions. We offer logistics, armoured and high-mobility vehicles as well as other tailored solutions for our clients,” says Christo Kleynhans, Product Manager, Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
As part of the AAD Exhibition, Mercedes-Benz is exhibiting a selection of defence vehicles including the Unimog, M-Guard, Sprinter 4×4 and the Driveline Component Kit. The exhibition will reinforce the fact that, with Mercedes-Benz defence vehicles, customers receive approved and secured premium products, ranging from component kits to entire vehicles.
Additionally, customers reap the benefit of customised solutions and a degree of flexibility rarely available anywhere else on such a scale or in such high quality. Mercedes-Benz defence vehicles mean that those who purchase them are able to rely on their faultless service and operational capability.
With all-wheel drive, the Sprinter 4×4 displays its outstanding capabilities even under the most adverse conditions. This undisputed number-one van adheres to the strictest of requirements when it comes to traction. The Mercedes-Benz Vans brand claim, “Born to Run”, describes the high-traction Sprinter 4×4 to perfection.
When the going gets tough, the Sprinter gets going: the new 4×4 variant provides that decisive extra traction under tough conditions. The Sprinter 4×4 is an all-wheel-drive vehicle that caters for a wide range of applications, including defence use and other special purposes.
On a different scale, the Mercedes-Benz M-Guard gives its occupants the ride comfort they require, while providing outstanding protection. The mere fact that passengers sit higher up ensures a better view of the surroundings in any situation. And, as a special-protection vehicle, the M-Guard with integrated protective components meets all the requirements of Resistance Level VR4, a rating which covers handguns up to the .44 Magnum.
Added to this, the M-Guard remains a safe place to be regardless of the state of the road, and whether you are driving on or off-road, as the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive delivers outstanding traction and exemplary handling.
Rounding off the display line-up is the Unimog U 5000 that gives maximum mobility in the toughest of terrain. The Unimog U 4000 and U 5000 series for heavy-duty applications under extreme off-road conditions have become legendary with their versatility. The Unimog is the vehicle with the greatest off-road capability in the world in permissible gross vehicle weight classes of between 9.5 tonnes and 14.1 tonnes. Thanks to their outstanding off-road capabilities, these Unimog vehicles are perfectly suited to defence applications in the most difficult terrain.
Through many years of proven experience, Mercedes-Benz offers a premium back-up and supply infrastructure, including custom-tailored defence-based solutions. In addition to these, Mercedes-Benz has also developed standard service solutions designed to meet specific customer requirements.
ngoing support is offered through the extensive dealer network and support partners. This also applies to its guaranteed worldwide spare parts supply. The overall parts supply chain has been streamlined for optimal parts availability and operates with great efficiency.
“Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront of innovation and product development in the defence field, which makes us the manufacturer of choice for armed for armed forces that require tailored solutions for differing missions,” concludes Kleynhans.
