South African Company EWI2 and China will produce the 8M wheeled mine protected vehicle 2307123.

Defense News - South Africa/China

The vehicle is powered by a 5.9 litre Cummins QSB diesel, manufactured in China by the Dongfeng Cummins Engine Co joint venture. The engine produces 281 hp, giving the 8 000 kg vehicle a top speed of 120 km/h.The 8M has seating for eight people or a payload of 2 500 kg. It can withstand a 7 kg mine blast under the hull and a 10 kg mine blast on any wheel.

EWI2 said that the 8M is the first success in a series of collaborative projects to be completed over the coming years by EWI2 and Norinco after the two companies established a cooperation agreement in 2010. “EWI2 is proud to be associated with Norinco and was one of the first South African companies to establish themselves in China in support of South Africa’s membership of the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India and China] nations,” EWI2 said in a statement.

EWI2 said it had designed the 8M and adapted it to utilise local Chinese components, which “has resulted in a world class product from state of the art industrial facilities and with world wide product support capability.” The 8M will be marketed in China as well as to export markets.