Iveco delivers first Guarani armoured vehicle pre-series unit to Brazilian Army Eurosatory 13061211.

The 6x6 Amphibious Armoured Vehicle, named Guarani by the Brazilian Army and also known as VBTP, has been developed by Iveco in partnership with the Science and Technology Department of the Brazilian Army. This follows the signing of a contract in 2009 for the supply of 2044 units of a new family of armoured personnel carriers. The vehicle will be produced in the new €23 million production unit in Sete Lagoas (Brazil), which is currently under construction and due for completion by the end of 2012. With an estimated production capacity of more than 100 units per year and deliveries scheduled for the next 20 years, the new plant will start serial production in 2013.

At the ceremony, it was also announced that the Brazilian Army has decided to entrust Iveco with the development of a new version of the Guarani armoured vehicle for use by the Brazilian Infantry. The initial Guarani project was produced for Cavalry applications only, with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of Brazilian land forces. A wide variety of configurations makes them very effective in fulfilling different roles including personnel carrier, reconnaissance and ambulance, therefore meeting the whole range of military needs and reinforcing the Army’s operational capability in the most demanding scenarios. This new development project also acknowledges the trust that Iveco has gained with the Brazilian Army and also marks Iveco’s strength in building strong and durable relationships with its partners.