Benz and Toyota vie for Project Overlander

DAIMLERCHRYSLER Asia/Pacific is confident of winning a multi-million-dollar Ministry of Defence contract to supply more than 2000 military vehicles, which could help prolong production of the legendary Mercedes-Benz Gelaendewagen to 2010.

Known as Project Overlander, the defence tender represents a large-scale renewal of the Australian Army vehicle fleet, to which Mercedes-Benz already supplies spare parts, for extended use local use and in combat zones including Iraq.

The Mercedes-Benz submission includes everything from Unimog trucks to military versions of the current G-class, which will continue to be built by specialist German vehicle manufacturer Steyer-Puch alongside the all-new GL-class off-roader that goes on sale here in October.

It is believed Toyota has also submitted a plan to supply LandCruiser troop-carriers for the tender, which closes in May. The winner will be announced next year.

Sadly, a plan to import 50 examples of the current G55 AMG hyper-4WD has stalled due to higher-than-expected pricing.