SAVIEM GO ON SAFARI
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IN temperatures of 33°C (98°F), an expedition with seven specially prepared Saviem lorries will make its way west to east across Africa from Senegal to the Asswan Dam in an attempt to open a trade route between seven countries which have no connecting link.
CM's editor joins the expedition as the only British jour nalist on the trip.
The 7,000km (4,275m) route goes through uncharted country, but if the expedition is successful, it will establish a new line of communication in an under-developed region.
On some days, progress is expected to be as low as 10km (6.25 miles).
There are five Saviem TP3 and two SM8 4x4 vehicles in the convoy with a total carrying capacity of around 15 tons.
In addition to the main purpose of the expedition, Saviem see the exercise as an ideal test of equipment and its preparation.
The two SM8 dropside trucks will carry fuel, spare parts and workshop tools. Two of the TP3 vehicles are fitted with reefer bodies to carry perishable foods, films, radio and medical equipment.
One TP3 will carry stores including bivouacs, the two others are panel vans to act as reconnaissance vehicles loaded with scientific equipment.
They are all fitted with 5,800 litre supplementary fuel tanks and 1,400 litre water tanks. "This will make the column independent for many thousands of miles" said a Saviem spokesman.
The route. if it is established, will be named Piste Saviem. Because it is uncharted it has not been established how long the expedition will take.