Dr Terry Mabbett profiles MW Motors, the new vehicle manufacturer bringing a range of stripped back military-style 4x4s to the world of forestry.
MW Motors (MWM), which designs and develops vehicles using in-wheel, electric-drive technology, alongside the more traditional drive systems, is driving a clean route into the UK’s forestry with the MWM Spartan.
A military-styled SUV appropriately named after the iconic warrior society of Ancient Greece, the MWM Spartan takes a back-to-basics approach to 4x4 design, aiming to meet demand among foresters for a rugged, reliable workhorse.
MW Motors is a privately held automotive design and manufacturing company with multiple facilities across Europe and China and its headquarters in the Czech Republic. The company is part of the Maurice Ward Group with its 41 owned branch offices across 25 European countries providing global freight forwarding, warehousing, logistics and customs and clearance solutions since 1968.
Its journey towards unveiling the Spartan began in 2017 when owner Maurice Ward grew interested in the idea of producing a classically stylish car with all the advantages of modern, eco-friendly design and manufacture. The Luka EV, a 100-per-cent electric sports car – which wouldn’t look out of place in a 1960s spy thriller – was born.
It was followed this year with the launch of the Spartan, a military-style SUV said to be the perfect partner for hard work in the forest.
It is based on the famous design of the UAZ-469, first made in 1971 in the Soviet Union, described as being time-proven and army-tested, even in the hardest conditions. Minimalist and functional, the Spartan features a 135 hp 2.7-litre engine, offering 210 Nm of torque, and promises something a world away from the luxury SUVs that have populated the market in recent years.
UK sales manager Rosh Mendis told Forestry Journal how MWM’s philosophy has always been one of continuous improvement through the uninterrupted flow of new ideas and developments.
“MW Motors does not overpromise and we are aware of our size and capabilities as a niche market player,” he said. “Making the design and manufacture of automotive products a fun business and thereby challenging the norm are key threads in our philosophy.”
Vehicle manufacture is carried out at MW Motors’ state-of-the-art ISO9001/TS16949-certified production facilities in the Czech Republic. MWM’s design and development team deploys expertise and experience across complete car design including chassis specification, temperature management and the full gambit of services related to electric mobility. As the only organisation using in-wheel technology to drive a production car, the expert team is in a unique position to advise and advantage the company’s clients and customers. To this end, MWM opened its first service centre near Pilsen in the Czech Republic, where the company’s technicians and R&D team constantly work on ways to deliver increases in quality.
READ MORE: WATCH: Military-style MWM Spartan SUV by MW Motors hits UK
Environmental and economic sustainability is at the core of the MWM philosophy and strategy, through utilising existing facilities to reduce carbon footprints and minimise impacts on local, regional and global environments. Vehicles designed and made by MW Motors are fundamentally different to the ‘normal’ car. There is a focus on light weight to make vehicles more efficient, says the company, which allows it to be ‘light-weight’ on the price charged to customers, compared with mainstream manufacturers in the automotive industry.
“MWM is all about utilising innovation by harnessing technology while maintaining tradition, to design and manufacture novel, efficient and sustainable, eco-friendly vehicles,” said Rosh. “We want to build a brand that will persist for the foreseeable future by delivering appropriate vehicle technology at an affordable price for the end customer.”
Its targeted markets are forestry, agriculture, mining and fisheries. Currently available is the MWM Spartan 2.7 L petrol vehicle at a starting price of £19,900 (£16,583 +VAT). The MWM 100% electric 4x4 is expected during 2021. The latter, at first featuring a maximum output of 120 kW and motor powered by a 50 kWh battery pack, will have a starting price of €39,900. Other vehicles in MWM’s existing and planned product range include the Exodia, a track day car designed with a 252 HP engine and killing performance, and ongoing development of the MWM Van, a 3.5t 100% electric van.
The overriding concern of this automotive manufacturer is to act responsibly, thinking constantly about the inheritance bequeathed to future generations.
“We want our children’s children to look to the future with both hope and expectation,” said Rosh. “This has been the key initiator of MWM’s efforts to demonstrate that change required to develop clean technology and sustain the benefits through into future generations is entirely possible.
“Let’s bring that clean technology into our everyday drives and lives. The journey is more important than the destination. Let’s see where we end up.”
Visit www.mwmotors.cz for more information.
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