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Czechs bounce back!

2nd July 1998, Page 24
2nd July 1998
Page 24
Page 24, 2nd July 1998 — Czechs bounce back!
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

by Bill Godwin

The big news at the Brno Commercial Motor Show in the Czech Republic was that US firm SDC International had proposed a rescue package for truck manufacturer Tatra (CM 25 June-1 July).

Tatra's parent company, giant engineering group Skoda-Plzen, comprises 40 companies and is committed to major redundancies. Its other truck marque, Liaz, is likely to be spared the cuts—its new Xena tractive unit, priced at around £44,000, is the Czech Republic's most advanced HGV.

The Xena stood beside Tatra's range, including the bonneted Jamal model which is now also assembled in Brazil.

Importers continue to benefit from the need to modernise recently privatised fleets: tractive units are allowed into the country free of customs duties.

Average earnings in the Czech Republic are still below £350 per month and this has encouraged a number of western firms to set up manufacturing sites. German trailer builder Kogel, for instance, produces up to 10 reefers a week at a factory in Chocen, most of which are exported.

• Last year Czech manufacturer 855-Metaco more than doubled its production of refuse-collection vehicles and semi-trailers to 648 units; twothirds of them were exported. This typical bulk tipper has an unusual customer-specified spare wheel mounting.

• Tatra's Brno exhibits majored on the Terrno construction range, including this T815 6x6 heavyduty tipper. Unorthodox engineering has always been a feature of Tatra chassis design: this is the novel configuration of its combined steel/air suspension for heavy-duty site vehicles. • ROSS, the Czech special vehicle manufacturer, has introduced a 4x4 version of the Russianbuilt GAZ Gazelle van. While the 4x2 version is powered by an Italian-made VM Diesel engine, the 4x4 launched at Brno is fitted with a Russian licence-built Steyr MI monobloc engine rated at 94hp (70kW).

• Launched as a prototype at the 1996 Hanover Show, the SkodaLiaz Xena tractor has now gone into production. Although Liaz has a smaller turnover than Tatra, its future appears more assured. The Xena has an aluminium-framed cab over a 470hp Detroit Diesel 60-Series engine and Eaton RTSO 17-316A gearbox. A Czech-made Liaz engine is available as an option. • Praga, one of the oldest Czech vehicle I builders, now concentrates on the design and production of gearboxes and driveline components for other manufacturers. But it has developed a six-tonner in response to demand from municipal customers already using its UV 90 tool carriers (generally known as "the poor man's Unimog"). The Praga NTS 265 has a full-width cab and is powered by a Deutz BF 6M 1013 vee-six engine.

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People: Bill Godwin
Locations: Steyr

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