Local design for
4-wheel drive vehicle

Investment awaiting civilian and military demand

David Frem, a local entrepreneur, is finalizing investment plans to build a factory to assemble the first four-wheel drive vehicle designed locally. The vehicle can be used for both military and civil applications.

The initial investment is $2 million, Frem said. Consumer prices start at $200,000, and will be higher for military options.

Frem designed the exterior of the vehicle around an LQ9 engine and Sierra pickup truck chassis, both manufactured by Chevrolet.

The assembly line will be built in Halat, Frem said, and will include a three-line process to produce a vehicle. The factory will have a production capacity of three vehicles per month, which will be expanded as orders come in. Production will be based on pre-ordered contracts.

Frem said he will initiate discussions with the local military officials and other government entities. Similar discussions are ongoing with regional parties for sales and production facilities.

Frem obtained a patent for the vehicle from the Ministry of Economy and Trade. The civilian use of locally assembled vehicles was approved in 2012. However, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Industry should approve an enforcement mechanism for registration and inspection, Frem said.