Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons begin Australian Defence Force delivery

To date, eleven vehicles have been delivered to the ADF which include 4WD station wagons; 4WD cab chassis units; and 6WD drive single- and dual-cab units. All vehicles share a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine. All eleven vehicles so far delivered are part of the 1200-strong tactical fleet order placed by the ADF in October 2008, a national undertaking known as “Project Overlander”. As planned, all vehicle units delivered to-date have been both on time and budget.

Specific models will be fitted with specialist modules built by Australian engineering firm G. H. Varley, and all model variants are being subjected to a rigorous test regime by the Australian Defence Force prior to full production later this year.

Mercedes-Benz will also provide an armour-kit that can be fitted should armoured protection be required.

The delivery of these G-Wagons continues Mercedes-Benz’s long involvement with the Australian Defence Force, which includes the delivery and support of Unimog cross-country trucks, Actros 8WD fuel tankers, buses and vans.

Mercedes-Benz also recently participated in the ADF’s trial of medium and heavy trucks. The ADF tested a range of Mercedes-Benz trucks including the latest armoured Unimog, four- and six-wheel variants of the Zetros truck, and the massive armoured 8WD Actros.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific meets the ADF’s specialised military requirements with its resources, component commonality and technical support base – the result of being part of one of the world’s largest and most advanced automotive manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz is confident it can meet all the requirements of the Australian Defence Force with its comprehensive military vehicle range, and its extensive Australian support base.