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Dennis plans front-wheel drive medium-weights

9th February 1968
Page 21
Page 21, 9th February 1968 — Dennis plans front-wheel drive medium-weights
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• Front-wheel-drive commercial vehicles are to be developed by Dennis Brothers Ltd. The company expects to introduce these new models within two years.

An announcement by Dennis was made last week that it proposes to replan its factory layout at Guildford. These factory changes are planned to accommodate production of front-wheel-drive models.

Dennis is also to set up production of Cargo King air-freight-handling equipment which is to be manufactured under licence to the Cochrane Equipment Co. of America.

To provide finance for the factory changes, setting up production of Cargo King equipment and provide for the design and development of front-wheel-drive models, Dennis is to raise about £364,000 by a Rights issue of shares at 16s 6d per share.

It is anticipated by Dennis that first application of front-wheel drive will be to an ambulance. Probably a 4-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission will be used but it is not intended to "buy-in" an existing front-wheel-drive unit. The ambulance will be one of a light range of different types of vehicle including models for other municipal applications and vans; there will be a choice of engine including both diesel and petrol units.

Dennis is to make a strong bid to obtain a big share of the British ambulance market and hopes to put the front-wheel-drive design on the market next January.

Heavier goods models with front-wheel drive—up to 16 tons gross is quoted—are not expected to be in production until late 1969. Breaking away from conventional design, Dennis will produce a "front-end power pack" consisting of engine, transmission, steering, front suspension and cab which can be mounted to various types of body carrying only the rear axle.

The problem of traction "has to be sorted out" says Dennis, and work is going on to find means of imposing more load on the front wheels but it is expected that the overall weight of a vehicle incorporating the -power pack" will be less than a comparable conventional vehicle.

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