New Launches
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford… Read More
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal… Read More
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Amaroks take down 140 tonne chimney
To celebrate the launch of the Amarok, Volkswagen arranged an impressive demonstration of its new pick-up’s power. Working in conjunction with demolition experts EDS, four Amaroks were used to bring a 67m-high, 140 tonne steel chimney crashing to the ground; a task normally undertaken by a 40 tonne excavator.Following the preparation work at the base of the chimney, four 200m ropes were rigged to the top of the structure and attached to the Amaroks’ tow bars using a quick-release mechanism; just in case something went wrong.
At the allotted time, the pick-ups drove forwards simultaneously, applying sufficient force to bring the chimney’s battle against gravity to an explosive end as it crashed to the ground in a cloud of dust.
“The new Amarok is packed with power and intelligence, and we wanted to achieve something extraordinary to demonstrate this for its launch”, said Simon Elliott, director, of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Working with the right experts and taking a scientific approach, by demolishing a 67m steel chimney we’ve shown the maximum strength and power of the Amarok.”Eldon Stevens from EDS was delighted to be part of the dramatic demonstration: “EDS has a reputation for taking on highly complex demolition projects that really test our engineering abilities, so we were thrilled to work with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to see if the new Amarok could bring down such a vast structure. Thankfully our combined skills were up to the challenge!”
Click here to visit the VW Commercial Vehicles YouTube channel.
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