AMW trucks storm desert rally

Heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer Asia MotorWorks has won the top three awards in the ‘Truck’ category of Rally Desert Storm 2012. The four modified AMW rally trucks, which participated in the ‘Ndure’ category of the event, which was a controlled speed endurance TSD (Time Speed Distance) test for production vehicles, crossed the finish line at Ahmedabad on February 25, after completing the 3,000km-plus route. AMW is the first Indian CV manufacturer to compete in an Indian rally.

The company’s MD and CEO Anirudh Bhuwalka said: “This is a truly historic achievement for AMW with our trucks having successfully completed Rally Desert Storm, which is one of the toughest motorsport events in the country. This victory reaffirms the build quality and durability of AMW trucks.”

The AMW trucks maintained an average speed of 80kph over the arduous terrain. Aside from some minor modifications, they were in stock condition and not mechanically modified in any manner.

The rally was flagged off from New Delhi on February 20 and included night stops at Bikaner on February 21, Jaisalmer on February 22, Bhuj on February 23-24,ending in Ahmedabad on February 25. The rally also ventured further into the uncharted interiors of the Thar desert and the Great Rann of Kutch. The AMW rally team was supported by AMW partners including Meritor, which supplies axles, Eaton, which supplies advanced gearboxes, Essar Steel which supplies materials r and Valvoline, its lubricants partner.