MADE IN AUSTRALIA

OKA TO MARKET INTO INDIA

OKA MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED AND HINDUSTAN MOTORS TO DEVELOP INDIAN FODR WHEEL DRIVE MARKET THROUGH NEW JOINT VENTURE Australia's only manufacturer of four wheel drive vehicles OKA Motor Company Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hindustan Motors Limited (HML) which will pave the way for sales of OKA vehicles in India. Under the terms of a proposed joint venture arrangement between the two companies, which is expected to be signed before June, Australian-manufactured OKA four wheel drives will be exported to India while longer term goals for Indian local assembly will also be pursued.

HINDUSTAN MOTORS LIMITED-HIGH PROFILE DISTRIBUTOR: HML, one of India's largest passenger commercial vehicle manufacturers, produces the Ambassador, Contessa and Trekker models, and in collaboration with General Motors, the Opel Astra. Selvendra Rajendram, Executive Director of OKA Motor Company Limited, conducted a series of discussions with Mr. A. Sankara Narayanan, President of Hindustan Motors of India which culminated in the signing of the MOU in late December. Under the terms of the MOU, OKA Motor Company Limited will

Already, potential distributors in these regions have expressed interest in assembling the RTV in their respective countries. The agreement will give OKA

additional royalties for all RTV vehicles exported from India.

WIIIWPI; i I f ILL BE TESTE! IN HIMALAYAS:

scode namel"Snow Tiger". 3KA vehicle Jl l be developed

development of military mui:j|terrain vehicles.

TWO MANUFACTURING CENTRES PLANNED FOR INDIA:

Two HML manufacturing centres are proposed. The first is at Indore, with a capacity of 5,000 vehicles per annum for the Indian domestic market. The second, for export production, is likely to be based at Madras with an annual production capacity of 20,000 units. "We will work to develop a total marketing package for OKA

in India." According to OKA Managing Director, Mike Walker, the Indian market is potentially one of the most lucrative export regions for OKA. "We will be working alongside Hindustan Motors to develop a total marketing package for our OKA product in India," Mike Walker says. "It is a vital step for OKA in becoming a

major international market motor manufacturer and one which will Drovide both short and lona term financial returns for Australia".

Mr. A. Sankara Narayanan, President of Hindustan Motors, (L) concluded the M.O.U with Selvendra

Rajendram of OKA Motor Company.

appoint HML as distributors of the range of OKA 4WD vehicles to government agencies, private sector markets, police and military.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY FEES WILL BOOST OKA PROFITS: The MOU also marks a collaboration by the two companies to jointly develop a special Indian-made vehicle which will be designed by OKA in Western Australia for the Indian rural market as a multi­purpose vehicle. The new model will have the design characteristics of existing larger OKA models; namely simple and robust, with an emphasis on low operation and maintenance costs. To be powered by an Isuzu two litre diesel made in India under licence, the new RTV (Rough Terrain Vehicle) will meet EURO 1 emission standards. OKA will benefit from transfer of technology fees and royalty payments, both of which will add substantial profits to OKA. In addition, OKA will assist HML in developing the export potential of the new RTV model worldwide, in particular the emerging markets of Asia, Africa and South America.

"We believe that "Smarter" says everything about OKA, its people, its products and its future".

SMART START TO A DYNAMIC YEAR "1995 will be a big year for Australian industry and promises to be the best year yet for OKA Motor Company and our dealers across Australia". "This year is our first as a listed Australian public company; a structure which reflects the faith and confidence of our shareholders, employees, contracted suppliers and existing OKA owners." "We're proud to be in such a strong position for this coming year and to now have the full resources we need to aggressively take our Australian-made product into a number of markets". "Within the next few months OKA will increase its profile across Australia through a carefully planned and managed campaign of marketing services". "These will include a television presence in key regional markets plus ongoing advertising in major magazines". "You'll see ads pushing our "OKA-Smarter" theme

in fire fighting, tourism, mining and other specialist industry publications

plus an even stronger publicity presence through editorials and vehicle tests".

I'd like to see the OKA name as synonymous with Vegemite for Australians, but that's a little ambitious initially." "OKA will be very visible in the public eye through other

means as well... For example, we'll be backing the Mobile One Round Australia rally with a three OKA

„ vehicle support crew, plus we'll see OKAs with the RAAF, television stations, fire brigades and the military". "It's going to be an exciting year which will put OKA on the map as a world class manufacturer of specialist four wheel drive vehicles". "Your support has been nothing less than fabulous and our growing dealer group is

[ proving to be the catalyst for increased sales." "I'm confident that our promotional theme, "Smarter", now reflects a marketing

commitment which will help ensure our future success." "We believe that "Smarter" says everything about our company, its people, products and future". Mike Walker, Managing Director.

COFFS HARBOUR DEALERSHIP PAVES THE WAY IN NORTHERN NSW "OKA'S POTENTIAL HERE IS PARTICULARLY STRONG BECAUSE NO OTHER VEHICLE COVERS THIS TYPE OF MARKET." Coffs Harbour Jeep is a specialist four wheel drive centre with four years' experience, a recently opened retail outlet and new vehicle franchise. Principal Geoff Slattery, and Sales Manager Allen Maze, were quick to realise the sales potential for an Australian-manufactured heavy duty four-wheel drive vehicle on the North Coast. "We'd each been involved with 4WDS and light trucks for around 30 years and we knew that none of the existing imported four wheel drives were capable of fulfilling the needs of some growing niche market sectors in this area", cites Geoff Slattery. "Many of the imported units were either too large or too small for the jobs they were being applied to and consequently there were higher than normal running costs or other problems". "In our opinion, the market was ready for a purpose built 4WD designed for specific market needs and with the support which is only available in an Australian-designed and manufactured product".

"Possibly the best 4WD setup on the North Coast " OKA Motor Company Limited stepped in with negotiations which have now paid off for Coffs Harbour Jeep as the major OKA distributor for the North Coast. According to OKA's Marketing Manager Paul Owen, Coffs Harbour Jeep had the best credentials, the right attitude and the resources needed to build sales in the area. "Coffs Harbour Jeep have the right staff and large modern premises which is quite possibly the best 4WD setup on the North Coast." "Plus they're lateral thinkers with an ability to identify a niche market and to then cater to that market's needs." Paul adds that Coffs Harbour Jeep were actually responsible for a strong regional interest in the Aussie-built 4WD well before their recent appointment as an OKA distributor. "Geoff and Allen personally contacted prospective OKA users such as forestry, local government, bushfire authorities and tourist operators, and they now have an initial order from a major off-road tour operator."

CeMft

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ELECTRICITY TRUST SWITCH TO OKA IN Minister for Primary Industries, Mines and Energy Mr. Dale Baker, recently handed over the keys to the first Australian-manufactured four-wheel drive vehicle to be placed in service by the Electricity Trust of South Australia. Electricity Trust General Manager Clive Almour, took delivery of the distinctive OKA four wheel drive from Alltrac Services of Mile End, OKA's local distributor. According to Alltrac Services Managing Director Peter Young, the OKA handover was for the first of two Electricity Trust vehicles which have been sold by Alltrac. Alltrac will also soon deliver a purpose built OKA to Channel Nine which will be used as an outside broadcast unit. "We see our greatest potential in the heavy duty end user markets, such as mining

Sourcing the right equipment for one of Australia's most highly skilled fire fighting and emergency crews is just part of a challenging job for Flight Sergeant Wayne Jones, head of Fire Control at RAAF Pearce in Western Australia. "This whole area is really just one vast sand basin and even the so-called best 4WDs are often battling", he says. Just over 12 months ago RAAF Pearce Fire Control evaluated several potential 4WD fire fighting vehicles. "We trialled several, including some which were in use by other services and then approached OKA and were very impressed by the driving capabilities of their Australian-manufactured vehicle". Wayne admits that he was "a little wary of the OKA at first sight". "The OKA looked a little top heavy, in my opinion, but that did not turn out to be the case and we came away very impressed, particularly by the OKA's comfort.". "Our crews travel by road as far away as Learmonth, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Albany, to provide fire crew support for NAVEX deployment exercises, so it's imperative that our vehicles provide a high level of comfort". "Our selection was based entirely on OKA's capability" RAAF Pearce personnel liaised closely with OKA Motor Company

fER SIGNS UP WITH R.A.A.F and the manufacturers of the Technifire fire fighting module. "Our selection was based entirely on the OKA's capability in its role", Wayne Jones emphasises. "In other words we had to prove to our own logistical people that the OKA was the only vehicle for the job before the purchase could proceed". Since its delivery in January, the RAAF OKA has already seen active service on two occasions. The first was a house fire in a nearby residential area which was shortly followed by participation in a full scale bushfire. "The OKA performed flawlessly on both outings and confirmed our requirements for a go-anywhere unit which could not only handle aircraft emergencies but also bushfire and structural fires.", Wayne adds. "I would rate the OKA's three prime features as excellent off-road capability, a high level of crew comfort and proven performance under real life operating conditions." Wayne also had glowing reports on the Technifire equipment fitted to the RAAF OKA, "For example the high pumping capability allows us to not overwork the engine and most of the time it's simply turning over at idle".

"OKA's simplicity is beautiful". According to RAAF Traffic Control Officer Fit. Lt. Rick Dyson, the OKA has slotted comfortably into day-to-day RAAF operations. "There are a lot of Army-style ideas throughout the OKA, such as the use of dust boots on uni joints and a simple modular approach to grouping electrics", he says. "This means reduced maintenance as well as higher levels of reliability, plus there's our assessment of OKA as a very high quality vehicle." "Our QA people were suitably impressed." "Our testing has proven the vehicle's off-road capabilities and the simplicity of the design is beautiful.... things like the fold-down dashboard, easy access fuses and other features." Rick adds, "Some 90% of the OKA componentry is already listed under our own RAAF Supply System, so we have the resources in place to access spares and key service items".

MAKES THE i.A.

and exploration as well as Government and semi-government bodies and tour operators". "Absolutely delighted with Alltrac's performance" \p Since their appointment as an OKA distributor, Alltrac Services, "have really bitten the bullet", according to OKA Marketing Manager, Paul Owen. "They are totally proactive in the way they market themselves and the OKA product, ranging from a professionally managed publicity campaign and the recent vehicle handover, to producing their own

customer magazine." "Alltrac is very clearly identified as an OKA dealer and they are setting standards which we will soon see in all other OKA dealerships across Australia" "To say we are absolutely delighted with Alltrac's performance would be a

nderstatement"

ASM TRUCKS TAKES ON OKA IN WA'S SOUTH WEST. A&M Trucks are no newcomer to Western Australia's rich south west. The company has been established for over 30 years in Bunbury and is active in Sales, Service and Parts within the growing port town and nearby areas. A division of Perth-based Skipper Trucks Belmont, A&M are recognised as the largest truck and commercial specialist in the region and have ranked as the largest rural dealer in Australia for International trucks. A&M Trucks Manager Wayne Broad, cites 'the unique specification of the OKA product' for his company's initial interest and subsequent appointment as an OKA dealer. "Because of the diversity of industries in the South West we believe there's great potential for OKA with its unique and flexible modular design", Wayne says. "This means that we can supply an OKA that's virtually custom built to an individual buyer's needs, but still with commonality in all components and subsequent savings in both parts and service costs' Wayne is proud that A&M Trucks have _ already delivered two OKAs this year. DUHWWtJ "They're as different as chalk and cheese

A&M'S Wayne Broad (L) says, "OKA fits into a unique slot in our market"

but this is clear proof that OKA fits into a unique slot in the market which we believe is growing by the month". "Our first tour bus is now in operation with Ningaloo Safaris, working out of Exmouth, while our second OKA sold is now hard at work in our

own area." That second vehicle is a dual cab which Ted Orr, an electrical contractor from Capel uses for both domestic and

industrial jobs". "Top class off-road performance was essential for Ted

in his business." A&M Trucks new OKA dealership is based at the current Forrest Avenue premises in Bunbury.

20,000 KM. AHEAD ON ROUND AUSTRALIA TRIAL This June competitors from across Australia will take on what promises to be one of the great motoring adventures, the Mobil One Round Australia Trial. The Mobil One will recapture the spirit and the challenge of previous Round Australia events, such as the 1950s Redex Trials and 1979 Repco Reliability Trial. OKA will be backing prominent Western Australian entrant Joe Caudo, who with team co-ordinator Barry Gray, will use three OKA vehicles to provide support throughout the three-week rally. Joe and Barry are motorsport veterans with a history which includes dominance in Targa Tasmania and a host of other "classic" events. Mobile One kicks off in Brisbane on June 13 and traces a route through Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Coober Pedy and Alice Springs. From there, the rally heads west via Kalgoorlie to Perth before redirecting north through Geraldton, Marble Bar and Broome. Darwin is scheduled for a June 26 arrival after which it is south via Katherine, Mt. Isa and Townsville for a July 2 finish on the Gold Coast. "If it's likely to break, bust, tear or wear out, we'll be carrying a replacement item for the Citroen in our OKAs". While the Caudo team's fully rebuilt and immaculate 1963 Citroen ID19 soaks up the media focus of the prestigious event, the three OKA support vehicles will be playing out their demanding roles

behind the scenes. "They'll be carrying the lot", says Barry Gray, "virtually everything we need to keep the Citroen running and in battle-ready trim." Barry estimates some two tonnes of

J. liO| equipment will be stowed on board • the OKAs at any one time.

The load will include spare wheels, tyres, engine and transmission

parts, Mobil oils, jacks, tools and other spares. The OKAs will be driven day and night by the Caudo support crews and will be required to keep pace with the rally car as well as preceding Joe's arrival at key service points along the route. As Joe says, "The OKAs will be taking more of a bashing than we will in the Citroen they'll be carrying big loads and will be pushed hard all the way." He's supremely confident however that the OKA will be the best choice for the job. "24 to 48 hour travelling stints will be normal practice, so we've looked at all aspects of comfort and reliability as much as load carrying capacity over the worst possible terrain." "The OKAs will come up trumps and we're all aiming for a similar performance from the old ID".

l O K A MADE IN AUSTRALIA

SMARTER

LONGER LEGS FOR IN CENTRAL OZ WITH OVER 20,000 KM ON THE CLOCK IN JUST A FEW MONTHS, TELECOM'S SERVICE DELIVERY DIVISION HAS GIVEN ITS FIRST OKA A BAPTISM OF SUN, WIND, DUST AND ROCKS IN THE AYERS ROCK REGION. Telecom had experienced problems with their Japanese-manufactured 4WDs because the units were undersized for their two-tonne payloads and had proven to be unsuited for use on remote, unmaintained tracks. OKA was proposed as a viable alternative for work in the remote Yulara region and Telecom Service Delivery specified an extended cabin area backed up by a small rear tray for bulky or awkward items. Telecom's final spec was for a triple length cab and 1. 5m. x 1. 8m. tray.

Acting on Telecom's request OKA Motor Company deleted both rows of rear seats to provide a further 1. 8 m. x 1. 8 m. weatherproof and secured storage area. Driver, Simon Shields, collected the OKA from the factory in June and drove it back to Ayers Rock where it has been in daily service since. According to Simon, all field reports have been positive, with the fuel efficiency comparable to that of the smaller 4WDs plus the added benefits of extra payload and increased ground clearance. "Since June I have covered 20,000 kilometres on some of the worst roads in Australia". "With the other vehicles we only stayed away for a week at a time. The OKA allows us to plan our trips better, mainly because of the extra storage room, so now I can easily do two or three week trips."

MINING SPEC SEATS MEAN COST SAVINGS OKA now offer a heavy duty, vinyl trim seating option which is designed for extreme work conditions. According to Paul Owen, "We had a lot of feedback, particularly from the mining industry for a seat which could really take the dirt and mud and which would be easy to clean when need be". "Our R&D people came up with what we call our "Smart Seat" option and because we manufacture all our seating in-house, it was very easy to put into production". For further information on specific seating packages and options please contact Paul at OKA Motor Company.

HELL WEST & CROOKED Victorian OKA dealer Bill Slattery, donned his deerstalker for the handover of the first OKA sold by his Campbellfield dealership. According to Bill, OKA buyer Barry Barrows is "one helluva character", so Bill fitted the role neatly in his telltale headgear. Barry bought the OKA multi-cab for his new tour venture, "Hell

West and Crooked Safaris". The name was kindly loaned by Tom Cole who wrote the book of the same name based on his life exploits in Australia's outback. Bill Slattery says "Tom's tales make Crocodile Dundee look like a Sensitive New Age Guy." If you want to know more about Hell West & Crooked's tour operations call Barry Barrows on 03 712 0272 or 015 362 156.

Hobart-based Laird ions now have Tassie's service. Feedback from son is nothing short of story in OKA News #4.

For your free copy of OKA News please phone (+6 19) 434 1300 OP fill In the reply coupon and fax us on (+6 19) 434 1659. We'll put you on the mailing list for all future issues. OKA News is produced six times per year by Ryan Varcoe & Associates for OKA Motor Company Limited, 45 Miguel Road, Bibra Lake, Perth Western Australia 6163 A.C.N. 009 144 503 All editorial enquiries to Les James or Paul Owen at OKA

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SMARTER

NEW DIRECTORS JOIN OKA BOARD Three additional Directors have been appointed to the Board of OKA Motor Company Limited, effective 2nd February. They are Mr Mohamed Saufi Bin Abdullah, Mr Gordon Hill and Mr Steven Pynt. Mr Abdullah is Senior Vice President of Hicom Holdings Berhad and is a Director of a number of publicly listed companies in Malaysia. Gordon Hill was elected to State Parliament in 1982 and at the age of 34 was the youngest man ever to have held the Senior Police & Emergency Services Portfolio in Western Australia. Gordon is Chairman and Director of Transcan Pty Ltd a manufacturing company, and is a Council Member of the WA Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Steven Pynt recently established his own law firm, practising primarily in commercial law. He also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Commercial Tribunal and has previously served as a Director of public companies in the mining, property and media industries.

O K A MOTOR CO. LTD.