Premcar project builds new drivetrain for unnamed defence vehicle

Automotive business Premcar has completed a two-year, $1.53 million project “to engineer and enhance the powertrain offering a globally relevant land-based military vehicle”, backed by $699,931 in support from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre.

In a statement from AMGC on Monday, it said the project saw Premcar design, engineer, fit and test a “significantly more advanced drivetrain for an existing vehicle” and ensure it met standards for local and global defence use.

The vehicle in question was not mentioned.

Premcar has its origins in Ford Performance Vehicles, and has expanded recently – opening a new factory a year ago – based on secondary new-vehicle car production for Nissan. Its projects have also included work on the Bushmaster and Hawkei vehicles for Thales. 

“It is one thing to be trusted with consumer products and another to work alongside the defence industry to deliver something as critical as a drivetrain,” said Premcar CEO Bernie Quinn.

“As a result of the AMGC project, we are now a diversified business operating in the [defence] sector, employing more staff and equipped to pursue opportunities in the rail and road infrastructure sectors, thanks to the skills and certifications gained along the way.”

The release explained that the project – which also involved  engine and power generation company Cummins – started with a rolling chassis, with “the Premcar team develop[ing] new, intake and exhaust systems, engine charge air cooling systems, engine mounts, lubrication systems, electrical wiring (including integration into the existing vehicle communications (CAN-bus) systems), engine control, cooling systems, and fuel systems. 

“Additionally, the team handled total packaging and transmission calibration for the drivetrain.”

The vehicle was successfully field trialled at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) in Victoria.

Premcar said it created six new roles during the project, with 11 existing staff members upskilled.

“Capability and diversity are the keys to manufacturing success in Australia and Premcar excels at both,” said Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director at AMGC. 

“By taking the knowledge they have built over a quarter century in the automotive industry and applying them to the defence industry, Australia ends up with a more resilient manufacturer and a better product for defence – it is a win-win.”

Picture: supplied

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