AmphiCoach GTS-1

Infobox Automobile


name = AmphiCoach GTS-1
aka =
manufacturer = GS Specialist Vehicles
parent_company = G Smith Group of Companies
production = 2006-present
assembly = Malta
predecessor =
successor =
class = Amphibious motorcoach
platform = Irisbus
body_style =
engine = Iveco Tector Common Rail Turbo Diesels Intercooler 2/4 WD
transmission =
suspension =
steering =
brakes =
wheelbase =
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width =
height =
ground_clearance =
front_track =
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weight =
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related =
similar =
designer = George Smith

The AmphiCoach GTS-1 is an amphibious passenger coach designed by Scotsman George Smith and built in Malta. The final prototype has been recently tested at Marsaxlokk Bay, Malta. The prototype was hand-built on the island, with a considerable contribution from former Malta Drydocks workers whose skill Smith described as "invaluable". Smith is now negotiating with Malta Industrial Parks about a suitable factory for production, aiming for 12 buses a year. Employees are expected to grow to around 50.

The price of the AmphiCoach GTS-1 is set to around £280,000. To date there are over a dozen orders confirmed or in the final stages, with another 50 serious enquiries. An Australian firm is considering buying 20 buses over a five-year period, a Dutch entity is considering seven, and a German company is considering three.

Another amphibious vehicle intended for search and rescue purposes is currently being designed on the same concept.

References

* [http://www.amphicoach.net/ Official site]
* [http://business.timesofmalta.com/article.php?id=3842 Business Times of Malta article]