Otokar

Details: Category: Otokar; Last Updated on Sunday, 20 November 2011 13:04; Written by Site Admin; Hits: 4609

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Otokar is a Turkish company, which from 1963 until the mid 1980's specialised primarily in the building of busses. They were produced initially under licence to Magirus Deutz, then slowly developed their own products. Otokar still produce a range of modern busses today.

In the mid 1980's Otokar diversified, manufacturing their first armoured vehicle as a cash-carrier. The Turkish Armed Forces were looking to update their vehicles, so in 1987 Otokar signed a Licence agreement with Land Rover to manufacture Defenders. Currently, a full range of Defender products is offered, in 90, 110, or 130 inch wheelbase, including ambulances and fire appliances. Military specification vehicles are offered in 12 volt or 24volt versions. Most are powered by the 300 Tdi engine at present (2005).

In the early 1990's, Otokar combined its armour technology with its experience in military vehicles by developing Turkey's first 4x4 light-armoured tactical wheeled vehicles. The 'Akrep' and 'Otokar APC' are both armoured Defender derivatives, while 'Cobra' is a joint development with AM General and incorporates parts from the Humvee. In 1997, Otokar moved to its new plant in Sakarya, Arifiye, where it developed a state of the art armoured vehicle testing and production facility. Apart from being the main supplier to the Turkish Military Forces, Otokar also supplies it's armoured range to various allied countries. Otokar is now listed in the NATO supplier index.

Late 2005 saw the first deliveries of Otokar Land Rovers to the Iraqi government to aid their security forces. Otokar are expanding their military sales effort, and are being rewarded with large supply contracts. Otokar armoured Land Rover types are covered on the Otokar Armoured page.

Otokar Ambulance. Otokar Fire Appliance.