BUV: Basic Utility Vehicle
Dedicated to Quality, Affordability & Sustainability

AUTOMOTIVE
* Specifications

The BUV  is specifically designed to meet the primary rural transport challenges in developing nations :
Technical Features:







  • Secondary speed reduction  can be operated at maximum input speed of the engine on a continuous basis
  • Engine enclosure to lower the noise emission to acceptable levels for continuous operation.
  • 20 units per 40 foot ocean container with 1-2 hours assembly
  • 95% fewer parts than a typical car
  • Up to 30 kilometers per liter of diesel on firm roads with light load
     Features:

  • Expected life: 20+ years for auto parts
  • 30 years for chassis
  • 4000 hours for engine and transmission
  • Leaf spring rear suspension with options for more leafs
  • Standard truck rear differential and axle.
  • Brakes - heavy duty rear wheel drums

General Features:
  • High driver visibility
  • Adjustable seat
  • Simple and complex Lighting kits available
  • Customized cargo beds are available including flat, very high sides, and seats for passenger comfort
  • Standard tires with options for tractor style tires

  • Engine of common manufacture with ease of maintenance and replacement
  • Common “off-the-shelf” parts
  • Easy access to engine and drive-train
Practical & Robust

The BUV gets impressive perfomance in sand and mud.  In a cost sensitive customer market, the expense of four wheel drive is prohibitive. The BUV's geometry accounts for its performace in difficult terrain without the expense of four wheel drive.
  • 3940 mm long x 1500mm wide
  • 450 kilogram vehicle weight
  • Twist grip throttle
  • Tight turning radius
  • Low center of gravity

IAT Field Quote:
"Our BUV gets stuck much less than our 4x4 Range Rover...if the BUV does get stuck, it's easier to rescue". Congo Helping Hands
Additional options :
  • Option for reverse
  • Option for dump bed
  • Option for driver protection from sun and rain is available
  • Future kit will be available to provide power take off for generators, pumps, or other equipment
Frame :
Tube steel frame that allows for:
  • easier adaptation of various cargo beds.
  • increased:cargo volume,
  • lower the center of gravity of cargo,
  • large volume production:

  • 10 hp air cooled diesel engine
  • 30 KPH
  • Electric start
  • Engine vibration dampening
The BUV is engineered to provide the lowest possible cost of transportation - featuring easy, low cost maintenance
Transformation through Transportation
155"
3940mm
86"
2200mm
29"
740mm
104"
2640mm
58"
1500mm
17"
432mm
56"
1425mm
37"
940mm
* The BUV is an efficient basic  transport vehicle, it is not designed for high speed recreational sports
All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2009 Sahel Automotive
Revised: February 28, 2009
webmaster@sahelauto.com

BASIC UTILITY VEHICLES
Transformation through Transportation
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