More info, from:
http://www.aro-scorpion.ro/arovechi/news.htmPress Release Tuesday, May 8th , 2002 ARO S.A. 223 Traian St. 0425 Campulung Muscel, Romania
ARO S.A., the 47 year old manufacturer and one of the pioneer of 4x4 Utility Vehicle is proud to announce that after years of negotiations they have signed a 10 year contract with Cross Lander Industria e Comercio from Manaus, Brazil. ARO will supply CKD component kits for the assembly of the new Cross Lander 4x4 utility vehicle at their plant in Brazil. The contract was concluded on January 28th in Campulung, Romania. Cross Lander President, Mr. Julio Albertoni and Senior Executive Vice President Mr. John Perez declared that the plant in Manaus will open for production in June 2002 and expect to reach the capacity or 12,000 vehicles annually, within 2 years. Mr. Albertoni is the second largest shareholder of KIA Motors Brazil and is also the largest manufacturer of Bayliner Boats outside the U.S. Cross Lander vehicles will be available in 3 versions: a 4 door utility vehicle, a 4 door pickup truck and a cab & chassis, all Cross Lander vehicles will be powered by Navistar / International 2.8 liter intercooled turbo diesels with Eaton Transmissions, Pirelli tires and other Brazilian components which will make the new Cross Lander very competitive on the world market. Cross Lander will be distributed in Brazil by Cross Lander Industria e Comercio and outside Brazil by its sister company, Lacaro Auto Distributors based in Miami, Florida. Lacaro presently has dealers in the United States, Central, South America and the Caribbean. The new Cross Lander is expected to be launched in July of this year.
ARO S.A. General Director, Mr. Dorda said this is the biggest contract ever signed by ARO. The management and workers are very excited and will give full support to Cross Lander to assure the success of the venture. The first shipment of CKD component kits has already left Romania and is on the way to Brazil. Weekly shipments will begin on a regular basis starting May 15th, 2002.
