UAE-based Eagle Industries is rolling out the first domestically made multi-purpose vehicle - AZM - that officials said will compete with international manufacturers.

Hussam Al Asmar, CEO of Eagle Industries, told Gulf News: "Eagle Industries is introducing its first “Made in the UAE Tractor”, AZM 30, at the Dubai Airshow 2011 which took place this past week (13-17 November 2011)."

Eagle Industries is a privately owned and operated airport ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturer.

The factory is located in Dubai Logistics City and operates on a 30,000 square meter plot at Dubai World Central.

Usama Afana, Chief Operating Officer at Eagle Industries and Founder of the project, said: "AZM is built with fully developed technology to move luggage in the airport as well as to pull business jets. It is combined with the latest technical know-how and its state-of-the-art facilities are complemented by the highest manufacturing quality”.

"The project was brainstormed in 2005 and the first structure of the company was developed in 2007.  The first tractor was commissioned in early 2011."

Costing Dh35,000 (about $US9,650), the AZM is available with a 1,134 Kg to 2,268 Kg drawbar pull capacity that offers outstanding maneuverability, visibility and a small turning radius.

AZM is ergonomically designed to provide maximum driving comfort and all-round visibility.

AZM features a heavy duty frame construction of robotically welded steel plates for durability and reliability to ensure a long operating life.

The tractor is available with multiple options and engine packages to meet various environmental conditions.

Al Asmar said: "The factory can produce 3,000 tractors per year with 4 major production assembly lines."

The car structure and all other components are 100%  made in the UAE except the engine, transmission and tires which are from foreign suppliers.

He said the aviation industry continues to grow and there is no doubt such a business would be very profitable in the long run.

 

Source: Gulf News