- OKA 4wd
-
An OKA used by the State Emergency Service of Western Australia.
OKA Australia is a Western Australian based 4wd manufacturer mainly supplying 4wd tour buses and trucks. OKA is based in Bibra Lake, where all OKAs are made. OKA's current holding company is Reymer Pty Ltd.[1] Less than 500 OKAs have been built.[2]
Contents
History
OKA started in 1986 when a group of Australian mine executives discussed that each of them needed an off-road truck with a three ton payload and nothing on the market at the time filled those requirements. Those executives formed a consortium and the OKA brand was born.[1]
Having agreed on the blueprints, the group undertook a comprehensive market study covering over 1,200 mining companies, government departments, farmers, the Australian military and potential private users to establish the parameters for the design.In 1987, work on the first prototype began and in 1988, it underwent its first test. Prototypes continued to be produced even during production up until 1992.[1]
Soon after, the first production model, the 'XT', entered production. It was followed by the 'LT' which was also followed by the current model, the 'NT'. These vehicles have been supplied to government departments, tour bus operators, private industries, mining industries, the military and recreational companies and are currently being sold in Papua New Guinea and Africa (as well as Australia) and are being developed for the UAE, and Europe.[3]
Models
OKA has made and sold 2 models (the 'XT' and 'LT') and is currently making and selling another (the 'NT'). The models are sold in various body shapes including Cab Chassis, Single Cab, Dual Cab, Multi Cab and Tourbuses.[3]
Technical collaboration with Hindustan Motors
OKA has licensed its technologies to Indian auto maker Hindustan Motors to make their RTV brand of multi-utility vehicles.[4]
Links to Malaysian Vell Paari
On 24th August 2011, The Malay Mail carried an article regarding various investigations being carried out against OKA 4wd, for 'allegations of misappropriation of millions of ringgit, missing accounting files and "stolen" intellectual property manuals.' Manuals valued at RM80 million had gone missing. They had contained trade information for the manufacture of all-terrain trucks and tour buses. Funds of the company had also been mysteriously siphoned out of Australia to a private account in Europe. There was also allegations of unpaid wages. Vell Paari, who controls OKA 4WD through Reymer Pty Ltd, denied responsibility for the matters raised, saying that he spent most of his time in Kuala Lumpur.[5] Vell Paari is the son of Malaysia's ex-Minister of Works Samy Vellu.
References
- ^ a b c OKA Press Release
- ^ http://www.oka.com.au/
- ^ a b OKA Official Website
- ^ http://business.mapsofindia.com/automobile/car-manufacturers/hindustan-motors.html
- ^ The Malay Mail, 24th August 2011. Vell Paari’s Aussie firm crisis. URL: http://www.mmail.com.my/content/81003-vell-paari%E2%80%99s-aussie-firm-crisis
External links
Categories:- Cars of Australia
- Motor vehicle manufacturers of Australia
- Off-road vehicles
- Truck manufacturers
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