Alu-Cab

Also available online.

"In those early days we didn't often sell anything... And we'd have the bank manager coming to us and saying, 'Look, we're reducing your overdraft facility because we don't see any hope for you guys.' And I remember telling my bank manager, 'Won't you do me a favor and grab the electric fence on the way out?' The pressure was unbelievable. I was in so deep. I put everything that I owned on the line." From scarce sales to global expansion, from a double garage workshop to 24 000 square meters of manufacturing and assembly, from a dream to reality – And our story is not over yet. We hope our accountants are still watching. Read the full article in the May issue of Metalworking News here: https://lnkd.in/gx4fHvqK

The electric Hilux is no longer a concept. It's a pre-production fleet vehicle – and the Dutch government is watching. Last week at Exporic – the Netherlands' leading show for emergency, safety, police, military and border control, organized by Eric Beurs – Toyota Nederland put the new Electric Hilux on display, fitted with Alu-Cab gear. We spoke with Arno van Bakel, from 4WD Specialist about the show. On the Hilux EV itself, Arno explained that it's a good addition to Toyota's multipath strategy, with several specific use cases making it a good option. (For context: a 59.2 kWh battery, around 193 horsepower, permanent AWD – aimed at fleets and urban operations rather than remote long-range patrols.) A Contour Canopy with recovery boards and an ammo box slide were fitted as they're considered good accessories for a fleet car. On this pre-production model, they also mounted all-terrain tyres on 17" rims by Black Rhino Wheels, specifically to show that 4WD Specialist can deliver direct, strong parts for the new model Hilux right from the start. Why did Toyota Netherlands choose to work with 4WD Specialist? In Toyota's own words: "We find in 4WD Specialist an excellent partner in the making of tailor-made customer needs and specific conversions of our 4x4 cars." That's OEM-level trust. When asked how different government units like military, police, border control, fire department and beach guard would use Alu-Cab gear as the government moves to zero emissions, Arno kept it practical: it depends on the specific needs of the customer. But a canopy, a suspension upgrade and drawers in the loading area are typical. "We build what the customer needs for the job. And of course the best products." The Dutch government's zero-emission target is clear: new cars must be emission-free from 2035, meaning no petrol or diesel. Large companies must become more sustainable and energy must increasingly come from renewable sources. The goal is "as soon as possible – except it has to fit the purpose of the vehicle." What's next for this electric Hilux with Alu-Cab? The next public appearance will be at Abenteuer & Allrad at the Genesis Import stand.

We pride ourselves on engineering gear that stands up to the world’s toughest overlanding conditions. But even the best products need to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community. For years, overlanders faced a frustrating trade-off. Mount a full-size rooftop tent and lose valuable cargo space, or choose the gear, leave the tent behind and sleep on the ground. We heard you. The result is the all-new RT-2S compact rooftop tent. Read the full article on how our newest design makes RTTs more accessible: https://lnkd.in/d-Fkf6yW

Storyteller Overland just did something the overland world has been waiting for.  They turned the INEOS Grenadier into a fully-kitted expedition vehicle you can buy, finance and warranty. All under one roof.  Naturally, when it came to a roof conversion they came to us. 

Maé & Oré quit their jobs, packed up their lives and hit the road. 4 years. 40 countries. 128 771 km. They've officially bid adieu to the corporate ladder, choosing to embrace the crazy spirit of adventure and freedom instead. Find out how they're making this dream a reality, here: https://lnkd.in/dSHvsWpK

Team work makes the dream work. Proud of this collaboration.

That's a wrap on the Caravan Overland Show! This past weekend was all about reconnecting with the community and forging new friendships. Thank you to everyone for their support and energy! Catch you at the next one... 👀