FSV saves Dormobile
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• Minibus and ambulance manufacturer Dormobile has been rescued from the receiver and is already being primed to enter the big-bus market by its new owner, the FSV Group, which specialises in international automotive engineering and computer sales.
The Folkestone-based manufacturer, which employs about 120 staff, has been re-named FSV Dormobile and is headed by former FSV employee, Clive Laycock. Dormobile's previous managing director Mike Harrington and sales director Robert Jones are under contract until the end of next month.
The new management team is planning to develop vehicles in conjunction with the Rickman Group, the four-wheel-drive and motor cycle manufacturer, which was also acquired by FSV earlier this year.
A 12m body is being developed for Soviet Union chassis manufacturer Kamaz. The first single-decker prototype should
be completed by the end of this year. The bus will be able to seat up to 55 passengers but might not come to the UK.
FSV is also hoping to expand Dormobile's export business concentrating on South America, the Netherlands, the Soviet Union, the Middle East and the Continent.
It is developing specialist export vehicles, including a front line European styled ambulance.
Dormobile is also planning to re-enter the camper market after leaving it eight years ago to concentrate on minibus and ambulance work.
By the end of March 1992 the new management at FSV Dormobile hopes to reach a total turnover of E7m — a E3m increase on last year. When Dormobile's former parent company the KBD Group put it into receivership in May it was still making a profit.
FSV Dormobile is currently boasting a E3m order book, Elm of which comes from a Ford deal.