Flash Facts — Jan. 27

Deere, Bombardier to develop utility vehicles
Deere and Bombardier will develop wheeled utility vehicles and technologies under a strategic alliance the companies announced Thursday. A John Deere-branded line of utility vehicles derived from a Bombardier all-terrain vehicle platform will be the first product resulting from the alliance. The utility vehicles will be launched in the United States and Canada by the end of 2003. Bombardier designs and manufactures utility and motorized recreational vehicles

Hitachi develops hybrid wheel loader
Hitachi Construction Machinery reported last week it has developed the world’s first hybrid construction machine, a wheel loader that runs on an electric motor powered by a diesel engine. According to a report by the Dow Jones, the machine is 40 percent more fuel efficient than conventional models and emits less gas and noise.

Terex to join SDC in restructuring Tatra
Terex announced last week it will join SDC International in restructuring Tatra, a Czech Republic heavy-duty truck manufacturer SDC purchased in 2001. A management consulting arrangement among SDC, Tatra and Terex calls for Terex personnel to assist in restructuring the day-to-day operations of Tatra. The restructuring will include reorganizing and consolidating manufacturing facilities, outsourcing some Tatra parts and components and reducing overhead.

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