University of Defence and TATRA TRUCKS sign agreement on cooperation

Today, July 14, 2016, signed by the representatives of the University of Defence and the company TATRA TRUCKS agreement on mutual cooperation. It has both parties benefit in the development and research as well as improve the education of students and the professional competence of specialists.

Photo: University of Defence
Caption: University of Defence, logo.

Signing of agreement between the University of Defence and the automaker Tatra is the beginning of a new stage of cooperation traditional producer of military vehicles and the Army of the Czech Republic, which Tatra branded products in use for decades. Under the treaty signed by the Rector of the University of Defence, Brigadier General Bohuslav Prikryl, for TATRA TRUCKS then CEO Martin Bednarz, technical director Radomir Smolka and commercial director David Pipal.

University of Defence and TATRA TRUCKS from the new covenant promise to raise the level of scientific, research and development potential and technical development of both Parties, the agreement has also to promote quality education for university students and contribute to increased expertise of specialists from TATRA TRUCKS. In this context, we must mention that in late April a similar agreement concluded Defence University and the company RETIA, a leading Czech producer of special radars and electronics.

University of Defence and TATRA TRUCKS want in mutually beneficial cooperation use their scientific research and technological possibilities and apply them in specific development projects, but also in specialist activities. To joint scientific studies, research and development in the field of defense and security technologies are specialists universities and TATRA TRUCKS utilize the most modern work practices and technical resources
and technology at their disposal. It will also enable practical verification of the results of theoretical research.

TATRA TRUCKS offer special lectures on research and experimental development for selected students and staff of the University of Defence. Furthermore, for them to arrange excursions and internships in the design office, testing laboratory and manufacturing equipment TATRA TRUCKS.Specialists automakers will act as head of dissertations and theses and trainers – specialists in the processing of dissertations in the role of opponents’ theses. TATRA TRUCKS also suggests themes of final student work in accordance with the research, development, innovation and manufacturing projects for the company. Likewise, the automaker will allow verification of the results of scientific, research and innovation activities of students and academic staff of the University of Defence in manufacturing and business practices.

Conversely Defence University under the contract will contribute to mutual cooperation with special lectures on new trends of development of selected industries and technologies of mutual interest.Likewise, the realization of special offers theoretical calculations, simulations, modeling and analysis in dealing with projects of basic and applied research and experimental development. Finally, to experts automakers results of scientific, research
and innovation activities of the academic staff of the University of Defence and the results of the students’ final papers to validate their commercial utilization in terms of TATRA TRUCKS.

http://www.parlamentnilisty.cz/zpravy/tiskovezpravy/Univerzita-obrany-a-spolecnost-TATRA-TRUCKS-podepsaly-smlouvu-o-vzajemne-spolupraci-444757

http://www.janes.com/article/61310/eurosatory-2016-tatra-unveils-two-new-tactical-trucks

The Czechoslovak Group (CG) officially launched a new division named Tatra Defence Vehicles (TDV) on 31 May.

TDV is a subsidiary of CG-owned Tatra Trucks and is located at the Korpivnice production facility.

TDV will focus on licensed production of the Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge Pandur II CZ 8×8 armoured vehicle and its variants for the Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) and for foreign customers.

TDV will also produce under license the Nexter Titus 6×6 MRAP vehicle once it is officially accepted by the ACR, as well as produce and modify armoured cabs for the Tatra 810 6×6 medium truck currently in service with the ACR.

The Pandur II 8×8 is an improved modular all-wheel-drive version of the Pandur 6×6 APC wheeled armoured vehicle. It was developed as a private venture by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge and is currently in production for the Portuguese Armed Forces. Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge is part of General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems, which is also the parent company of MOWAG of Switzerland and Santa Bárbara Sistemas of Spain.

The most significant change is the introduction of an 8×8 configuration with more interior space. The construction is an all-welded steel hull with optional armour upgrades. The basic armour package is designed to protect against 7.62 to 14.5 mm (0.300 to 0.571 in) armour-piercing rounds (customers may select a choice of armour thickness). The vehicle is designed to be transportable in a Lockheed Martin C-130 Herculestransport aircraft. The driver is seated on the left at the front and the engine is to the right. The driver is provided with a single piece hatch cover as well as three day periscopes, one of which can be replaced by a passive periscope for night missions. The vehicle is fitted with a two-stage synchronized distribution gear box for both road and cross country use. Improved suspension will be fitted for optimum cross country mobility. The vehicle is designed to take a number of turret systems (such as the SP 30 turret also mounted on the ASCOD AFV of the Spanish and Austrian Armies), or it can be used as a standard APC with a mounted machine gun.

With the turret the vehicle can carry 6 infantry. Without the turret, it can carry 12.

The Pandur 8×8 APC is manufactured in Austria while export versions are also built in the Czech Republic and licensed versions in Barreiro, Portugal.

Czech variants

Pandur II being tested by the Czech Army

The Czech Pandur II 8×8 CZ differs from the original version in that a new breakwater controlled from inside the vehicle has been fitted, and the driver’s hatch is fitted for CDND-1 night vision apparatus. The armor is designed to protect against 14.5×114 (with RAFAEL add-on passive armour). SSAB ARMOX 500^[5] armour steel is used for the bottom side of the hull which has an intermediate floor with suspended from wall and ceiling mounts rather than floor mounted. The standard Pandur II has a flat bottom, but Pandur II CZ has its bottom shaped to the “/\” (reversed “V”) which some sources maintain reduces the effect of mine blast on passengers.

There are three robust cameras (left, right and rear) giving the ability to driver to reverse without leader’s help or observe around the vehicle. The driver has one monitor for this purpose. The cameras are from Orlaco company^[6] much like monitor in troop section.^[7] Czech Pandurs II 8×8 also include navigation, information, communication and identification system.

Pandurs without RCWS-30 will be unarmed or equipped with Rafael Mini-Samson RCWS-12.7.^[8][9] Rafael RCWSs bought by Czech republic: 78x RCWS-30, 14 RCWS-30 (with no Spike-LR missiles), 93 Mini-Samson RCWS units that carry 12.7mm machine gun. Its Cummins ISLe T450 455HP diesel engine can be removed and replaced in 30 minutes.

• KBVP (kolové bojové vozidlo pěchoty)^[10][11] – IFV version equipped with upgraded Rafael RCWS-30. Upgraded RCWS-30 include: 30mm ATK MK 44, optional launcher pod for two RAFAEL Spike-LR anti-tank/multi-purpose guided missiles, coaxial 7.62mm machine gun M240, and two quadruple (2×4) 76mm Wegmann smoke grenade launcher tubes. Fire-ready ammunition accommodates 140 high-explosive (HE) and 60 armor-piercing (AP) 30mm rounds, 2 Spike-LR missiles, 250×7.62mm rounds, and 8×76.2mm smoke grenades. The missiles container is newly located vertically. In contradistinction to the original RCWS-30, the Czech RCWS has two new CCD/IR cameras with rangefinder/laser designator with 360° coverage. The original camera was replaced by a new one and a second camera is mast-mounted on the right side of the RCWS (circa 3,5 meters above the ground). The commander’s hatch visor was removed. With new mast-mounted camera the commander gained new ability to independently observe the surroundings and to seek and track enemies (commander can take over weapons’s control or designate target for gunner). All Czech IFVs will be equipped with mast-mounted meteorological sensor with laser illumination warner connected to FCS. This mast-mounted system will be located on the left side of RCWS just like commander’s independent thermal viewer.

Original Czech Text:  http://byznys.ihned.cz/c1-65265970-tatra-si-veze-z-egypta-a-jordanska-zakazky-za-800-milionu-korun-do-zemi-doda-vojenske-podvozky

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/land/vehicles/2016/02/02/czech-lithuanian-militaries-enhance-transport-capacities-new-acquisitions/79696720/

http://www.janes.com/article/58491/slovakia-receives-up-armoured-tatra-hmhd-trucks

The Indian Armed Forces operate more than 10,000 TATRA vehicles and is historically one of the largest users of TATRA vehicles in the world. The TATRA FORCE series stands out with its unprecedented terrain manoeuvrability, including fording up to 1.5m, reliability, ability to drive in both extremely low and high outside temperature, easy operation and long service cycle. The new vehicle series could therefore mean a certain evolution step in terms of TATRA all-wheel-drive vehicles currently operated in India, ranging from 4×4 up to 12×12 versions.

Between 2003 and 2012, 3,925 assembly kits were delivered to India, where they were completed and coupled with different superstructures according to needs and requirements of Indian Armed Forces. Because of the problems associated with unlawful acts of former major Indian stakeholder of TATRA, R. Rishi, all deliveries from the Czech Republic to India were stopped. A major breakthrough in the TATRA’s return to Indian market occurred after the change of ownership structure of the TATRA company in 2013 when it has been bought by Czech shareholders. Additionally, in February 2015, TATRA TRUCKS representatives signed a memorandum with Indian state enterprise BEML, which, on behalf of Indian Armed Forces, carries out final completion of the vehicles delivered in the form kits for assembly – CKD sets.

Last year, TATRA TRUCKS under the new ownership and new management delivered 100 vehicles to India, mostly in the form of complete knocked down (CKD) sets . Also, TATRA TRUCKS subsidiary TATRA India has been established in order to develop after-sales services in the region. Because of the customer’s satisfaction, proved top-quality of TATRA vehicles and last but not least, exceptional properties and universality of use of their vehicles in demanding Indian conditions, TATRA TRUCKS’ plan for 2016 is to deliver at least 250 vehicles in different states of readiness for the final assembly.

Martin Bednarz: It’s time to reborn Tatra learns to walk

Three years ago, Tatra, narrowly avoided bankruptcy, now has big plans.Its new CEO Martin Bednarz wants within two to three years to increase the current annual production of about nine hundred chariots doubled. And within five years envisages investments in technology and extensive grounds of more than two billion crowns. “Tatra is born again and it was time to learn to walk,” says Bednarz.

Více na: https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?act=url&depth=1&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.nl&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http://nazory.euro.e15.cz/rozhovory/martin-bednarz-nadesel-cas-aby-se-znovuzrozena-tatra-naucila-chodit-1266874&usg=ALkJrhgSuWH49WfyN4S2cie7AOOrbqJSjw#utm_medium=selfpromo&utm_source=e15&utm_campaign=copylink

Více na: https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?act=url&depth=1&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.nl&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http://nazory.euro.e15.cz/rozhovory/martin-bednarz-nadesel-cas-aby-se-znovuzrozena-tatra-naucila-chodit-1266874&usg=ALkJrhgSuWH49WfyN4S2cie7AOOrbqJSjw#utm_medium=selfpromo&utm_source=e15&utm_campaign=copylink

Since December’re new boss Tatra Trucks, firm but know from past experience. In the era of Indo-American owners, headed by Ronald Adams’ve been the production manager. What’s changed since then?

In terms of infrastructure, ie investments in more than šedesátihektarového campus, insulation, technology, much has changed. It is true that last year was built some new lines, improved maintenance halls. But there was a big shift in how employees including managers perception of the company.

When I climbed in 2008, we had very ambitious plans to produce three and a half thousand cars a year. People thought that the Tatra neohrozitelná.Now they realize that they had five minutes before death. He appreciates the fact that it did not fail, and that they have a job. Much helped by the current ownership structure, the new owners with Tatra seriously. For the previous ones I felt indifference.

What are the tasks you have received from shareholders and how you want to meet? This year it will boost production from about nine hundred thirteen hundred cars.

First I had to clarify with shareholders, what plans they have with the company for the future and how they want to own. For example, if he wants to stand on his feet and then profitably sell. To do this, but they are not, they’re about pride in their traditional brand and use its growing market potential. Access to TATRA as a serious business and not act on its sale to the Chinese how to speculation late last year.

Nor to cooperate with the Chinese want?

The fact is that the Chinese are the trucks trying for a long time and much copied them you can not. Cooperation on a serious level, do not resist.

What is your strategy, you want to change?

I want to double production and triple the profit. The basic strategy is that we have been for a trustworthy and reliable partner, worked globally and upgraded production. We need to improve supply reliability to meet deadlines.

And also increase the quality to be at cars there are no faults in the first ten thousand mileage. I consider it important to achieve the injuries of employees approaching zero. From his previous work know how people come to care about their health, reflects the quality of their work. These basic aims Shareholders approved. Now is the management team that developed the concept of my five-year projects.

I do not ask for production. Indeed, this leaves Koprivnice 1300 cars?

Technologically and spatially Tatra able to handle it, production will increase by about forty five percent. Also, our dealers with this task counted. If I count the conventional vehicle axle 6 x 6, the current situation is a ceiling to two and a half thousand cars a year.

Of course specials are demanding. In recent years, the company looked like a child who can not walk yet. Now you need to learn it. For example, for machinists introduce a second shift, they are huge demands. This year we will have the biggest jump.

And until when you plan to doubling current production at sixteen to eighteen hundred cars a year?

Although the concept is set at five years, this goal we can achieve in two to three years. In addition, it is however necessary to invest to the company nevybydleli. In those five years, investment in technological reach of 850 million crowns in the area then 1.4 billion. We have clarified how it will look like Tatra. Part halls sestěhujeme, in order to save on logistics.

Due to rising production will hire more new employees. Pin?

We need machinists, miller, turners, and now the full cross-cutter. And, of course, mechanics, electrical engineering, welders. During the first quarter we need to take one hundred thirty people per week are able to absorb them ten to fifteen. We are lacking a long-term profession as engineers, technologists.

What is the average age of the employees? I suppose you’ll want to reduce.

Currently, the average age of forty-eight years, over fifty is about one fifth of employees. We break a head, how to transfer it called the healthy DNA to the younger generation. We have a category of workers, which we call internal trainers. Even if he feels that he can not submit hundred percent performance, their experiences are very valuable for young people.

The advantage is that the Tatra brand attracts candidates. Last year, it managed to get a hundred and twenty of the most sought-after professions.But the important thing is the whole process of education and training of new employees start. We work with primary schools, we try to draw students into what it means Tatra brand, what it means to be a designer.

And we convince their parents that technical studies are promising. We offer solid salaries, now an average of thirty thousand crowns gross. In addition, most machines are already controlled by the computer.

What proportion of your employees are foreigners?

Minimum, we have about ten. But I have to say that we are playing with the idea of reaching Ukrainians, Vietnamese, Filipinos.

How many cars from the planned thirteen hundred have already concluded contracts? And in what countries you will whisk you?

Contract have more than half. Customers are similar to last year, most of them have in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Saudi Arabia, India, Brazil and Russia. This year is increasing interesting region – Egypt. Tatra return there after two decades. We’ve been waiting only for advance payments, we can begin to produce.

It will be hundreds of chassis 4 x 4 for the defense industry, which this year we will deliver at least 150. The contract scheduled until 2018 worth tens of millions of euros. We also have customers in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Mexico and Australia. Perhaps the most exotic is from New Caledonia.More assert we wanted but mainly in Europe.

What Iran, which after the lifting of sanctions returns to global markets?

It is for the Czech Tatra and of course a very interesting market. Last week we discussed where the supply of civilian units of the Phoenix . It is about four dozen cars to miners and firefighters, the buyer is a private company which will resell the vehicle.

So far, it’s a start. I believe that in this territory, we get more orders. The point is to persuade the Iranians to accept a European homologation. This means that our cars do not have to undergo complicated in Iran and especially long local homologation tests.

The last time you next common types have begun to focus on various specials, for example, the extraction of shale gas. You will continue to do so?

Around half of the production should continue to be the standard, the latter will require a variety of special design features, extensions and so on.Delivery dates of these vehicles are not tailored to twelve weeks as with conventional tipper Phoenix. With some exaggeration, but I can say that we are better than Skoda Mlada Boleslav, in which you are waiting for Superb eighteen to twenty-two weeks.

Count for the non-European territories where there is so strict emission standards, even with the production of air-cooled engines that were once developed in Koprivnice?

In India and the Middle East takes an interest. This year we produce four to five hundred engines. In the past, the importance for soldiers, because if you hit the radiator drain of water.

Today, the weapons are so advanced that it does not matter whether you have air or water-cooled engine. The advantage of Tatra concept was and is still easy maintenance. Today, our simple motors interesting emerging employment opportunities in a variety of stationary stations, bioplynkách and the like.

The foundation of your business is therefore chassis backbone frame with a central tube and independently suspended half-axles.

Yes, but we are constantly modernizing. Raising the axle loads, the cars could be transported harder and harder costs. We automates some segments, such as the closing of differentials at the entrance to the field.The philosophy is still the same: Tatra passes where he passes other cars.And no need to do complicated and electronics fault.

https://translate.google.nl/translate?sl=cs&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=nl&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fzpravy.e15.cz%2Fbyznys%2Fprumysl-a-energetika%2Ftatra-prodala-858-aut-letos-chce-vyprazdnit-sklady-a-skokove-zvysit-vyrobu-1280670&edit-text=&act=url

http://zpravy.e15.cz/byznys/prumysl-a-energetika

Eastern Europe’s oldest carmaker hopes to advance through DAF-sellers

• Maurice Kuypers

Today, 06:00

Newspaper Title: ‘oldest car manufacturer in Eastern Europe hopes to advance through DAF-sellers’

Trains, planes, cars, trucks: vintage car enthusiasts can indulge in the museum of the Czech Tatra, the oldest car manufacturer in Eastern Europe. Legendary models produced from the group Koprivnice in the northeast of the Czech Republic. The T11 example from 1923, a draft of Tatra godfather Hans Ledwinka. Or the V570 from the early thirties, who years later would be model for the Volkswagen Beetle.

Tatra V570

The company built not only cars but also railway carriages for example, the Orient Express and war materials for the Nazis. After World War II, however, the company specialized in complete trucks and limousines for communist party bosses such as Fidel Castro, Josef Stalin and Erich Honecker.

1958: the OT-810. Armored vehicle based on a German model from World War II.

Communism

Tatra was during the years of communism known in Eastern Europe, says marketing manager Jiri Kasparek during a tour of the enormous factory. 25 years ago worked here 15 000 people who produce on average the same number of vehicles. Now many buildings are empty or rented. Every year there are only 900 cars made p by about the same amount of employees.

“Since the end of communism has quickly gone downhill,” Kasparek soberly fixed.While other large Czech brand Skoda was swallowed by the Volkswagen Group, Tatra pined slowly away.

A Tatra truck racing through the northern Chilean landscape during the South American version of the Paris-Dakar race. Photo: Reuters

There were to mention a few minor successes, such as earnings six times in the famous Paris-Dakar rally. In 2011 there was also a promising cooperation agreement with DAF box and got his Tatra truck model Phoenix international praise, but it could not prevent it going a little worse yet every year with sales. A whole bunch of American investors could not do anything to change that. In fact, according Kasparek they were one of the main causes for the decline.

€ 137 mln

Annual revenue increased in 2014 by 24% compared to 2013

821

vehicles produced. 8% higher than in 2013. Tatra sold 850 vehicles (+ 18%)

80%

export share. The weak Czech crown bear Tatra according to the positive results of 2014

Corruption Scandal

In 2012-2013, when a major corruption scandal at one of the US former shareholders came to light, the painting appeared to lose ground. But thank God, “says Kasparek, then decided two Czech entrepreneurs to jump into the breach and save the company.

Jaroslav Strnad and René Matera bought the company for € 6.2 million, including debts of around € 30 million. They also strike for € 7 million fresh money into the company, which after a reorganization disbursed directly to a small profit in 2014 a turnover of € 130 million.

1974: T613. The appearance of these luxury car was designed by the Italian Vignale.

‘But Tatra is not there yet, “said Ron Bonsen, who was until recently in the Board of Management of DAF and now works as a commissioner for Tatra. Bonsen is convinced that there are many potential cross in Tatra. “They build good off-road vehicles which is well known. But that you’re not there yet. “

Culture Problem

Nearsighted Service sector

The Czech truck manufacturer Tatra’s closer ties with the European network of DAF-sellers.

At 12 sales and maintenance companies in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria are now sold all Tatras. It is the intention that this number later on this year, rising to about 30 dealers. The following years, this number may rise further.

That says Ron Bonsen to this newspaper. Bonsen served eight years on the board of directors of DAF and now commissioner at Tatra. The cooperation between DAF and the relatively small Tatra According to him, a match in heaven “because the two companies complement each other perfectly in terms of product.Tatra is namely only specialized ‘off-road trucks, while the great strength of DAF is more accurate in road transport. Tatra moreover, makes a large part of his lorries use of DAF-motors.

DAF has been working together with Tatra, the oldest automotive brand in Eastern Europe. In 2013, however, a hitch by a corruption scandal in India, which brought the company to the brink of collapse. After a rescue by two Czech investors seems to be the way picked up again. Tatra is one of the few independent truck builders in Eastern Europe remained after the fall of communism.

Tatra according Bonsen had to contend not only with corruption, there is also a cultural problem. The services are poorly developed, and the company relies too much on old networks in the defense industry. “But eventually civil sales that are crucial for survival.”

The defense industry is still by far the most important buyer of large contracts from India, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Bonsen: “The relationship with the orders is approximately 60% defense industry and 40% civilian. To make Tatra full health need that relationship in a few years be the exact opposite. “

To achieve this, and to sell for instance forestry, mining and boost agricultural enterprises, there must be according Bonsen worked hard to improve the service.“Consumers need to be assured that they are helped quickly if something is wrong. Tatra must also be more aggressive products into the market because of sales they have here little sense. “

Finally, a greater ambition. Bonsen: “I recently had a conversation with the production manager who told that as no new orders were taken because he thought they could not possibly handle it. I gave him declared insane. If someone had told me that at DAF when I was on the board, he was flown with a large bow out of the window. “

Quite some hard nuts to crack so, but Bonsen say they believe in Tatra. He joined the company mainly a supporting role. “I act as a mirror for the current management. If they have ideas, they ask my opinion, and of course I give them yourself tips on how they can do things better. “

A very important step for Tatra is again closer ties with the DAF dealer network.“There is unfortunately some persuasion because the dealers have had bad experiences in the past with Tatra. But in itself it is a dream wedding. Tatra sells namely only off-road trucks, often with a DAF engine, while the specialty of DAF is just excellent cars for the road. “

Bonsen thinks it should be possible for Tatra to double production within five years to more than 2,500 trucks per year. If successful, Tatra hear there in the niche of heavy trucks back really fit and it can be glorious past again put honor.

2011: Phoenix T158. In 2011 Tatra developed with the Dutch partner a DAF truck that garnered international praise.

http://fd.nl/ondernemen/1136810/oudste-autofabrikant-oost-europa-hoopt-op-impuls-via-daf-verkopers