EAST GERMAN FORWARD-CONT 5-TONNE
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p-VEILED at the recent Leipzig Fair, the 5-ton W.50 is produced at a new factory at Ludwigsfelde, near Potsdam. Forwardcontrol design gives it a larger platform area and load capacity than the 4-ton S.4000 (made in Werdau) which it may replace, despite similar overall dimensions. Engine is the same fourcylinder, four-stroke water-cooled diesel bored out to 6,560 c.c. to deliver 110 b.h.p. at 2,200 r.p.m.
A remote five-speed gearbox is mid-mounted on the chassis and coupled to the clutch through a jointed and splined shaft. This layout is justified as improving weight distribution and simplifying access to the clutch and transmission.
Ludwigsfelde has borrowed from MAN and other West German designs for the rear axle, where load-bearing and driving members are separated. An empty banjo housing carries the springs and wheel flanges. Differential and final This concept with double-reduction gearing, though costly, permits a smaller crown wheel for increased ground clearance, which is 12 in. with 8.25-20 tyres. Hydraulic brakes have an air servo, and exhaust braking is fitted.
The factory at Ludwigsfelde started production last year and is currently turning out 20 trucks a day. Output planned for 1970 is 20,000 units. The plant has 4,000 employees and makes the axles, chassis and cab for the W.50, the engine and gearbox being bought out.
Ford Production Record: Ford of Britain commercial vehicle production broke all records during February. Daily average production of trucks and vans was 447 units. Altogether 8,950 conunercial vehicles were built during the month and more than 40 per cent were exported.
New Michelin Depot: The Michelin Tyre Co. Ltd. has opened a new depot at Botley to house that part of the Michelin organization previously based in Southampton. The building incorporates commercial offices, a depot and a service bay, and is located at Solent Industrial Estate, Shamblehurst Lane, Bottey, Southampton (tel: Botley 2380.