THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Thursday, 18 February 2010
022/2010
First Mercedes-Benz G Wagons Delivered
Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science,
today announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has taken delivery
of eleven Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon vehicles.
“Under Project Land 121 the Defence Materiel Organisation is acquiring 1200
of the G-Wagon vehicles in order to replace the current fleet of Land Rover
vehicles which have been in service since 1987,” Mr Combet said.
“The G-Wagon offers enhanced levels of mobility and operational functionality
and will provide a new capability for Defence. It is already used by the
defence forces of Austria, Canada, Germany, Singapore and the United
States.
“The G Wagon vehicles being delivered include four-wheel drive station
wagons; cab-chassis units; and six-wheel drive vehicles in both single and
dual cab-chassis configuration.
“These first G Wagons will undergo compliance and accepting testing
program during 2010. Full production of the ADF’s G Wagon vehicles will
commence later this year with deliveries to commence in 2011.
“The G Wagon is being manufactured in Austria and is powered with a
Mercedes-Benz 3.0 litre turbo-diesel V6 engine that will be EuroV compliant.
“Specific models of the G-Wagon will be fitted with specialist modules (for
example Ambulance and Command Posts).
“These modules will be built by the Australian Engineering firm G.H. Varley
Pty Ltd of Newcastle. This will directly create 75 and indirectly lead to a further
100 jobs for the Hunter Region.
“The vehicles can also be fitted with additional armoured protection when
required,” Mr Combet said.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet)
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
