When was the last time you heard of a car being launched with no direct rivals whatsoever? Probably a while ago, but here is a car that is said to exist in a class of one: the Global Vehicle Trust OX.
The OX has been designed for use in the developing world, with its intended use tasks such as collecting drinking water or building supplies and transporting food. To that end it has decent ground clearance, good approach and departure angles and a payload of 1,900kg. Believe it or not the OX is also able to seat 13 people as well. Or eight 44-gallon drums. Or three Euro-pallets. Fit for purpose, see.
The brainchild of Sir Torquil Norman, who founded the Global Vehicle Trust (GVT) five years ago, the OX is claimed to be a 'flat-pack truck'. It apparently takes three people less than six hours to pack it up in the UK, with half a dozen flat-packed OXs then able to fit in a 40-foot high-cube container. Once landed, GVT says three "skilled people" can put an OX together in around 12 hours.
There are other key touches aimed to make the OX perfectly suited to its all-terrain life. The tailgate detaches to form a loading ramp, for example, and the seat base frames can be used as sand ladders when the going gets tough.
The OX is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel with 100hp and 228 lb ft. Interestingly it's two-wheel drive rather than four, with a five-speed manual gearbox too. It's 4.2m long, 2.3m high and weighs 1,600kg dry.
The Gordon Murray link to this project is a tangible one too, he having been involved almost since the company's foundation and entirely responsible for the design. Murray described the project as "one of the most interesting and challenging" that he's been involved in, adding that it's been "a fascinating and stimulating journey from concept to prototype." Oh yes, and the official reason for the central driving position is for ease of use in both left- and right-hand drive markets. Any excuse, eh Gordon?
With prototypes now built and testing underway, GVT is now seeking investment for the project to be completed. Norman has said his dream "is to one day see an OX in every village in Africa", and it looks like he's a long way towards achieving that. Fingers crossed there's more to follow soon!
Naturally, PHers are already discussing it here.