CENDANA AUTO EYES MORE MILITARY JOBS
Company says its military-class special operation vehicle designed to meet needs of special forces
FROM its humble beginnings as a workshop operator, Cendana Auto Sdn Bhd has come a long way to become a special operation vehicle (SOV) developer.
Chief marketing officer Abdul Rauf Nasirruddin said the company started with RM500,000 in capital and provided maintenance, repair and overhaul services for military vehicles.
“We now operate on RM10 million in yearly capital and hope to receive more contracts from the Defence Ministry for our armoured vehicles. We are able to grow 50 per cent annually, and we expect further growth this year as we look into other products,” he told NST Business on the sidelines of the Defence Services Asia 2018.
The company showcased its military-class SOVs, as well as its infrared (IR) and non-infrared (NonIR) camouflage paints for military use.
Its SOV is designed to meet the needs of the special forces and can carry up to six fully equipped soldiers.
It has a low centre of gravity for better manoeuvrability, resulting in excellent road holding. It is also lightweight and all-terrain.
The SOV is powered by a 2.80litre five-cylinder single-stage turbo diesel engine, cranking out 197hp, allowing a maximum speed of 170kph.
Its modular design allows Special Operations Forces operators to fit the vehicle with a wide range of sub-systems and weapon systems, such as 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns or 40mm automatic grenade launchers.
It is 4.95m long, 1.85m high and 1.85m wide. The vehicle has a 75 per cent gradient climb capability and 40 per cent side slope climb gradient.
Cendana Auto had introduced its IR and Non-IR camouflage paint three years ago as part of plans to expand its business.
The company is now planning to expand into Vietnam next year as part of its first foray overseas.