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The OX, as this truck is named, isn't on the market as yet.
However, with further charitable assistance it is likely to be available to NGOs and community sector type organisations
throughout Africa and, possibly, other developing areas.
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This truck comes in a 'flat pack'
Recent new car releases ..... here
Upcoming new car releases ..... here
16th May, 2013
Although 10% of the world’s population lives in Africa, there has never
been an easily accessible vehicle specifically designed and manufactured in volume to meet the rigours of the continent.
That situation is about to change with the development of the OX, an unconventional ‘flat-pack’ all-terrain light truck
that could benefit people living in remote villages and townships in Africa and other parts of the developing world.
Designed and built in Britain, the OX is unlike any other vehicle and has no current competitor – whether from a
concept, performance or pricing point of view. It is the result of the Global Vehicle Trust’s ambition to help people in
the developing world by providing cost-effective mobility for communities to undertake crucial daily tasks, such as
collect drinking water and transporting grain, fertiliser or building materials.
Made in Britain, for assembly abroad
Simplicity is the guiding principle behind every aspect of the OX, and notably it is the world’s first flat-pack
vehicle. Most panels are interchangeable from one side to the other, while the fewest possible components are used to
give it a fast build-up time. It takes three people approximately 5.4 hours to 'make' the flat pack in the UK prior to
shipping. It then takes three people 11.5 hours to assemble the vehicle from flat pack at its destination and no special
skills or equipment are required.
The revolutionary nature of the OX programme extends beyond the vehicle itself and uniquely, OX is capable of being
flat-packed within itself. That means there is no requirement for an expensive box or individual pallets for
transportation, ensuring freight costs can be kept to a minimum. Six OX vehicles, including engines and transmissions,
fit into a standard 40ft hi-cube container. In addition, assembly labour is transferred to the importing country, where
local professional companies will be found to assemble and maintain the finished vehicles.
Simple, robust, capable and cost-effective
OX can drive through 75 cm depth of water and has a very wide track to ensure excellent stability on badly rutted
roads. Maximum payload is 2.0 tonnes (twice the capacity of many current utes) and following EU size guidelines, OX can
seat up to 13 people or carry eight 44 gallon drums or three Euro pallets. It has a simple power take-off capable of
pumping water, sawing wood or running a generator.
Designed to be at home on the roughest terrain, the OX has a high ground clearance and short front and rear overhangs
to tackle the steepest inclines. Independent suspension, front and rear, allows easy transit over rough ground, while the
uncluttered underside ensures that sand, mud and other hostile surfaces do not obstruct progress.
With an overall length similar to an average family car, the OX weighs just 1.5 tonnes. It has front-wheel drive and
is powered by a robust 2.2 litre diesel engine with a manual transmission. Unladen, 73% of the OX’s weight is over the
front axle and when fully loaded 53% is still over that axle. This contributes to good traction in both conditions.
The driving force behind GVT and the OX is Sir Torquil Norman, founder of the Norman Trust.
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Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
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“My inspiration for the OX goes back to the ‘Africar’ project of the 1980s. OX became a dream three years ago and
is now a realistic ambition with a working prototype that has already completed its initial testing programme,” says
Sir Torquil Norman.
“Our sole objective at GVT is to help people in the developing world. As part of an aid programme, the OX could
provide an essential element of infrastructure to enable the local population to raise the community’s standard of living
and to assert its independence by gaining control of its transportation needs and costs. The OX could also be an enormous
help in transporting medicines, doctors, patients and other materials in emergencies and at times of natural
disaster.”
Driving the next stage of development
“We have spent around £1 million bringing the OX to the working prototype stage and we need a further £3 million to
take the project through to a production-ready status,” said Sir Torquil. “This is why we are now ‘going public’
to highlight the need for investment and support in order to progress the project to completion.”
“Feedback we have had so far from contacts in Africa and with aid agencies has been very positive. As this is a
not-for-profit endeavour we are seeking philanthropic supporters. OX is about making a difference now, being part of
something ground-breaking, something unique. Most of all it presents a real opportunity to make a fundamental and lasting
difference to people’s lives.”
“Our priority now is to raise the funding to complete the testing and take the project to fruition. Our aim is that
the OX will be purchased by charities, aid organisations and development programmes, rather than private individuals. My
dream is to one day see an OX in every village in Africa,” concludes Sir Torquil.
Although initially planned and designed for developing countries, there has subsequently been a realisation that there
is likely to be demand for fully-assembled vehicles in some European markets. It is anticipated that OX will appeal to
farmers, estate owners and others due to its huge carrying capacity and ability to traverse rough terrain. Any profits
generated by selling fully-assembled vehicles in Europe will be ploughed back into the Global Vehicle Trust charity to
fund future developments of the OX.
E&OE.
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