Mercedes-Benz Joins The Army

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – July 29, 2010: The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is currently being put through its paces by the Australian Defence Force at a number of Defence sites, and is performing well. The vehicles are subjected to a demanding test program to ensure that the required missions can be achieved now, and well into the future.

This test program is being conducted in Australia, Germany and Austria; includes everything from scientific measurements of noise and emissions, brake and steering performance at high speeds, and testing of the optional armour kit.

Mercedes-Benz will deliver 1200 6x6 and 4x4 G-Wagons to the Australian Defence Force, starting with the 11 prototypes delivered from Oct 2009 to January 2010. Many of these vehicles will be fitted with mission specific modules being provided by Newcastle-based firm G.H. Varley.

A team from Mercedes-Benz and G.H. Varley were recently invited to view their equipment being tested by members of the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force. This included a demonstration of Air Force guard dogs operating from a G-Wagon fitted with a purpose built canine module, and newly qualified drivers operating the vehicles over terrain considered impassable to current Army vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz remains on schedule to commence production delivery of G-Wagons and modules in February 2011, and continue until the end of 2013. Mercedes-Benz also has a contract to support the equipment in Defence service for 15 years.