Grupo Dina Unveils Its HTQ Series
25 September 1998
Grupo Dina Unveils Its HTQ Series Launching a New Era in Global Truck Technology
CIUDAD SAHAGUN, Hidalgo--Sept. 24, 1998-- Consorcio G Grupo Dina, S.A. de C.V. and its U.S. subsidiary, Motor Coach Industries International Inc., today unveiled its new generation of HTQ vehicles, designed using the Group's proprietary technology. The event was attended by Mexico's President Ernesto Zedillo; the Governor of the State of Hidalgo, Jesus Murillo Karam; and other officials from the federal government, as well as analysts, investors, customers and employees of the plant.
In order to build the new HTQ (High Technology and Quality) line, Grupo Dina, a company with 50 years of experience in the field, has invested approximately US$35 million to date and expects to invest an estimated total of US$80 million for the entire globalization process. The development process took six years of research, engineering tests, marketing studies, and meetings with distributors, carriers, operators and fleet owners, as well as production studies conducted by Dina engineers and technicians.
"The new HTQ vehicles place Grupo Dina among the `Best in Class' manufacturers, thanks to their high quality and advanced technology, an international recognition that is only given to vehicles that meet export standards," said Mr. Rafael Gomez Flores, Grupo Dina's Chairman, while addressing more than 500 guests at the unveiling.
The HTQ vehicles have passed all of the engineering, safety and environmental protection tests required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as those required for certification by the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) and the environmental protection act EPA-98.
During the unveiling, President Zedillo waved a checkered flag in a symbolic ceremony for the 5,000th export unit to roll off the production line. During his comments, he emphasized the achievements of Grupo Dina, a Mexican company, in the generation of jobs and the use of state-of-the-art technology, as well as the important role the Company plays in the development of the cargo and passenger transportation sector.
During his opening speech, Mr. Gomez Flores said that the HTQ technology will allow Dina vehicles to enter the European markets in the near future, because they were designed to comply with regulations in the European Community. He also stated that the new vehicles meet all of the NAFTA regulations for the exportation of automotive vehicles, which will allow them to travel freely throughout the continent.
Mr. Gomez Flores also stated that technological independence will allow Dina to initiate new sales projects and allow technology transfers, as well as opening the road to develop new investments in other countries, and with other companies and automotive manufacturers.
In developing the new HTQ series, Dina sought additional automotive design and engineering support, signing contracts with highly respected firms including Designworks/USA, a subsidiary of BMW of Germany, which took a leading role in the external and internal cab design.
Roush Industries of Detroit, Michigan was selected to direct the engineering. Roush was also responsible for obtaining all of the certifications required by the Mexican authorities, and is currently in the process of securing the required certifications for the U.S. and Canada.
Some of the distinctive characteristics of the HTQ vehicles are: an aerodynamic design that reduces air resistance; curved bumpers that optimize air flow around the tires and reduces fuel consumption; an aerodynamic hood; windshields with a 31 degree angle; side mirrors that provide a wide range of visibility; a cab with front-bar security systems; and other features in the roof to give additional protection to passengers.
President Zedillo was accompanied by distinguished cabinet members. Diplomatic representatives from all of the countries where Dina has industrial or exporting operations were also present at the unveiling.
Grupo Dina is one of the leading suppliers of medium size and heavy trucks, as well as passenger buses in Mexico. Its subsidiary, MCII is the leading designer, manufacturer and seller of intercity coaches and replacement parts for motor coaches and buses in the North American market. Grupo Dina also distributes replacement parts for trucks to several Latin American countries.