POTEAU, Okla., July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Several hundred were present to celebrate this landmark event today showcasing a number of 'firsts' in U.S. industry. Tiger's renowned Champ series of off-road vehicles is now "Made in America". This is the 1/2 ton-sized truck that carries 1-1/2 tons of useful load and is widely used on military bases, golf courses, college campuses, industrial complexes, private residential communities and in municipalities with a competitive acquisition cost, starting at $12,995 and even more attractive low operating rate of 37 mpg.
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Mike Ward, Founder and CEO of Tiger, drove the first Champ off the line and promptly presented the vehicle and keys to Jeff Shockley, Mayor of Poteau, saying, "This a token of thanks for the considerable support you, the town and Oklahoma have given Tiger Truck and our employees as we have worked diligently to complete this world-class facility. Tiger Truck is pleased to present this electric Tiger Champ, the first built in America, to the world-class City of Poteau with our appreciation!"
The large contingent of elected officials from Oklahoma was led by Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, accompanied by Secretary of Commerce Natalie Shirley, both of whom welcomed eight honored guests from China. Also in attendance were representatives of U.S. Senators Inhofe and Coburn, Congressman Boren and a host of vendors, suppliers, plant contractors, Tiger Dealers, and other interested parties from around the world. All were given tours: shown the advanced manufacturing and workflow processes, and even the facility for constructing the seats and certain other interior elements manufactured here.
"Chongqing ChangAn Automobile Co., Ltd. (marketed under the "Chana" brand internationally) and China's third largest vehicle manufacturer has been our very supportive partner from the beginning," said Mike Ward. "While Chana designs and builds advanced, efficient and durable vehicles worldwide, understanding and satisfying the particularly discriminating nature of the U.S. consumer has been entrusted to the 100% U.S.-owned Tiger Truck. Purposefully, we will now control the quality of fit and finish here in Oklahoma in addition to being able to be more responsive to configuration requirements of customers with immediate needs."
In another first, PPG Industries designed and upgraded the most technologically advanced cathodic electrocoating process in the automotive industry. Tiger acquired a current paint-line from a recently closed U.S. automotive plant. PPG made further improvement to this already advanced paint line to include eliminating one of the phosphate dip-stages, making it also the most environmentally friendly e-coat line in operation today. After this initial e-coat and preparation of all metal parts and panels that might be exposed to any weather, the cosmetic parts are powder-paint coated and baked to achieve the most durable finish of any vehicle in the class.
Tiger will have the capacity to produce 35 vehicles per day before moving to multiple shifts. Initially turning out the larger Champ series of vehicles, they are immediately available powered by the customer's choice of EFI gasoline, Caterpillar Diesel, E-85 flex-fuel or electric motor (48V or 72V) -- all approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Integration of the Star series into U.S. production will be completed in the 4th quarter of this year.
Ward also said, "We are particularly grateful to our exceptional network of Tiger Dealers who have remained stalwart during our challenging transition to U.S. manufacturing. They will soon be rewarded by the ready supply of unequalled product to meet the growing needs for fuel-efficient vehicles in their local markets."
About Tiger Truck Manufacturing, LLC:
Tiger Truck has been delivering a series of multi-purpose trucks and vans for off-road use since 1999. All Tiger vehicles meet the stringent CARB/EPA standards and are available powered by 48V or 72V electric motor, EFI gasoline, Caterpillar Diesel or E-85 flex-fuel. 4WD, automatic transmission and A/C are some of the options available. Tiger has the largest available array of truck body configurations for niche applications. Primary distribution in the U.S. is through a network of select dealers. Tiger Truck is a privately-held international company with headquarters and manufacturing in Poteau, OK, and having distribution outlets throughout Central America and the Caribbean basin. See http://www.tigertruck.com.
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