New Zealand has contracted with Spanish firm UROVESA for VAMTAC 4x4 vehicles.
The contract includes 60 utility 4x4 vehicles to replace New Zealand's ageing fleet of utility vehicles.
40 vehicles will be CK3 truck configuration, emphasising payload capacity, and the rest will be ST5 light configuration.
The acquisition of Spanish utility vehicles is the first phase of a modernisation programme, with $58.3 million allocated, as reported by Janes.
Lightweight utility vehicles, while they carry less payload compared to the larger 6x6/8x8 trucks, are easier to transport and capable of moving on rough terrain. This is important for New Zealand's mostly steep terrain.
