The Britain-based Global Vehicle Trust has just revealed its design for a low-cost flatbed truck for developing countries in Africa and South America. It’s called the OX and it makes use of a simple but rugged design.
The fundamental purpose of the OX, which was previewed by a concept five years ago, is to perform essential daily tasks, such as collecting drinking water and transporting grain, fertiliser and building materials.
Designed by Gordon Murray, the OX has been afforded a decent ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, a multi-purpose layout and a three-person cab. It’s capable of carrying a payload of 1 900 kg and 7 000 dm3 or seat up to 13 people.
Given that it was designed with help from Murray, like the McLaren F1, the driver sits in the centre of the cabin. This is to allow it to be used in any country, regardless of whether left- or right-hand drive is the convention.
There’s no word on what engine will be powering the OX, but a two-wheel drive system has been confirmed. GVT also claims it to be more effective than most 4×4 systems.
Shipping and assembling the OX will also be low-cost and efficient. It will be packaged in pieces and essentially delivered in a box. Assembly will apparently take 12 hours, if three “skilled” people work together.
This initiative is not a confirmed product but the trust behind it says that should enough investors back this project, the OX will make its way to developing countries very soon.
