March 3, 2022

Australian military vehicles to adopt locally-developed emissions technology

The same engineering firm responsible for putting the finishing touches on the Nissan Navara Warrior has secured a contract to develop emissions reduction technology for Australian-made military vehicles.

The Australian engineering firm responsible for the development and final assembly of the Nissan Navara Warrior off-road ute – formerly the outfit responsible for Ford Performance Vehicles – has secured Federal Government funding to supply modern diesel engine emissions reduction technology for locally-made defence vehicles.

Military vehicles have historically been exempt from meeting emissions standards because of their critical roles in times of conflict.

However, new mandates will bring the emissions requirements for Australian military vehicles in line with international standards.

The taxpayer-funded program gives Premcar, the same engineering firm at the centre of the Nissan Navara Warrior, responsibility for developing emissions reduction technology for a Cummins 6.7-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel – complete with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) – which is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF.

The locally-modified engine and transmission combination – with emissions reduction technology developed under the same roof as the Nissan Navara Warrior – is then sent to an Australian manufacturer of military vehicles.

While the Australian military vehicle involved is yet to be disclosed, Drive understands it is a heavy-duty Hummer-style off-roader.

While the focus is on Australian military vehicles, the project could open the door to export of the emissions reduction technology – given it will be designed to meet appropriate European standards.

“Over the 24-month project, we’ll heavily revise the (engine and transmission) and then calibrate it with the best partners from across the globe,” said Bernard Quinn, the head of Premcar.

“The revised powertrain will give Australian defence vehicles a greater chance to be exported globally.”

Mr Quinn says road cars and military vehicles have related – but very different – engineering requirements.

“Military and defence vehicles … have a unique set of operating standards and procedures to adhere to,” said Mr Quinn.

“The funding will enable us to up-skill (our engineers) and keep another vital part of the vehicle development process local.”

The project will add 60 jobs – tripling the number of 30 or so staff currently working at Premcar on the Nissan Navara Warrior.

Premcar says the program is forecast to generate $5.25 million in revenue over five years – and has been partially-funded dollar-for-dollar with taxpayer money by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).

The AMGC is a taxpayer-funded, non-for profit investment tank that provides matched investment – dollar-for-dollar – and helps pair local businesses to specific projects.

The project’s cost in total is $1.53 million, with $699,931 (45 per cent) coming from the taxpayer-funded Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre. The other half of the cost of the project will be funded by Premcar.