Esso's Metro pick-ups
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EXTENSIVE prototype trials have persuaded Esso Petroleum to spend over £200,000 on 50 dealer-converted Austin Metro pick-ups for use as site vehicles at its Fawley, Southampton refinery.
The pick-ups are based on one-litre petrol engined Austin Metro 310 City vans and have been converted by local Austin Rover dealer Dibdcii Purlieu Motors in conjunction with nearby bodybuilders South Conversions.
lasso chose the Metro conversion in preference to factory-built pick-ups, including foreign models, after an evaluation last year.
Production of the Fawley vehicles, which have a revised specification including an anodised reinforced-steel rear bulkhead and grp and alu minium tailgate, began in February.
The existing Metro van load platform is retained on the pick-up conversion which has additional drain holes in the platform and sub-floor. The interior of the cargo box is lined with plywood. The van's 310kg (6.1cwt) payload remains the same.
A joint venture company has been set up by Dibdcn Purlieu and South Conversions to build the pick-up, which can be produced at a rate of six per week. Dibden Purlieu's managing director, Ken Oakerbee, hopes to supply a further 62 vehicles to Fawley.