The organisation opted for the Volkswagen Amarok
as the ideal solution to replace its long-standing 4x4,
with the Amarok’s excellent off-road capabilities
and class-leading load capacity key factors in the
decision.
Specialising in the rescue of missing people, SurSAR
covers large areas of wilderness on a day-to-day
basis, and required a vehicle that could perform on all
terrains. The Amarok was the perfect fit for the team
combining innovative technology including ESP and
off-road ABS, with an impressive load area of 2.5 m2.
The Amarok has been converted to purpose for
SurSAR’s search and rescue operations and is the first
of its kind to be in active service in the UK. Working as
SurSAR’s initial response vehicle, the Amarok carries
essential medical equipment and is fitted with the
latest GPS tracking technology.
The Amarok’s permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive
system delivers optimal off-road performance and
gives the team the ability to tackle steep gradients of
up to 45° and power through water depths of up to
half a metre.
An innovative feature of the SurSAR Amarok is a large
TV monitor installed on its custom hardtop, which
can connect to one of the team’s unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAV). The screen provides the team with
real-time information relayed from the UAV to give an
airborne view of the area, allowing them to look for
any changes in terrain or colours that may indicate a
missing person below. When on the road the screen
flips up for unobstructed driver visibility.
Séamus Kearns, SurSAR Head of Operations, said:
‘The Volkswagen Amarok is already proving itself
a valuable asset for the team, fully meeting our
requirements both on- and off-road. The Amarok’s
ground clearance, ruggedness and capacity
to operate in half a metre of water, more than
matched the performance of the 4x4 vehicle it
replaced.
‘The Amarok’s spacious interior offers the team a
comfortable and refined ride, providing ample room
for our crew and their kit. The 180 PS BiTurbo engine
has also delivered outstanding performance, making
the Amarok a very capable tow vehicle which is
ideally suited to transporting the team’s RIB.’
For further information on the Amarok visit: www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
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