Tatra (company): Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Czech vehicle manufacturer based in Kopřivnice}} |
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'''Tatra''' (named after the [[Tatra mountains]]) is a vehicle manufacturer in the [[Czech Republic]]. The company was founded in [[1850]] as a wagon and carriage manufacturer, and produced the first motor car in central Europe in [[1897]], the Präsident. One source claims that Tatra is the ''third oldest [car maker] in the world after [[Daimler|Daimler Mercedes-Benz]] and [[Peugeot]]''. Production of Tatra cars ceased in [[1999]] but the company still produces a successful range of primarily all-wheel-drive trucks. |
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{{Redirect|TATRA||Tatra (disambiguation)}} |
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{{Distinguish|Tata Motors|ČKD (company){{!}}ČKD Tatra}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022|cs1-dates=yy}} |
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{{Infobox company |
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| name = TATRA TRUCKS a.s. |
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| logo = Tatra (Automobil) logo.svg |
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| caption = |
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| type = Private |
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| industry = [[Automotive industry]] |
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| foundation = 1850 (original)<br />1897 (as a car manufacturer) |
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| founder = [[Ignaz Schustala]] |
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| area_served = Worldwide (except Japan, and North America){{citation needed|date=July 2022}} |
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| location = [[Kopřivnice]], [[Moravian-Silesian Region]], [[Czech Republic]] |
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| key_people = Hugo Fischer von Roeslerstamm (designer)<br /> [[Hans Ledwinka]] (designer)<br /> [[Julius Mackerle]] (designer) |
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Lukáš Andrýsek (CEO) |
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| products = [[Automobile]]s, [[wagon]]s, [[carriage]]s, [[truck]]s |
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| revenue = {{profit}} [[Czech koruna|CZK]] 5.4 [[1000000000 (number)|billion]] (2016) |
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| operating_income = |
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| net_income = {{profit}} [[Czech koruna|CZK]] 482 [[1000000 (number)|million]] (2016) |
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| num_employees = 1,658 (2016) |
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| owner = {{ubl|{{nowrap|[[Czechoslovak Group]] (65%)}}|[[Promet Group]] (35%)}} |
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| subsid = |
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| homepage = {{URL|tatratrucks.com}} |
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}} |
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[[File:Znak města Kopřivnice.svg|thumb|upright=0.5|Tatra [[Präsident]] on the Kopřivnice coat of arms]] |
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'''Tatra''' is a Czech [[vehicle manufacturer]] from [[Kopřivnice]]. It is owned by the '''TATRA TRUCKS a.s.''' company, and it is the third oldest company in the world producing motor vehicles with an unbroken history.{{efn|After [[Benz & Cie.]] and [[Peugeot]]}}<ref>{{cite web|title=About the Company|url=http://www.tatratrucks.com/about-the-company/|website=Tatratrucks|language=en}}</ref> The company was founded in 1850 as ''Ignatz Schustala & Cie''. In 1890 the company became a [[joint-stock company]] and was renamed the ''Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriksgesellschaft''. In 1897, the ''Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriksgesellschaft'' produced the [[Präsident]], which was the first factory-produced automobile with a petrol engine to be made in Central and Eastern Europe. The [[NW First Truck|First Truck]] was made a year later, in 1898. In 1918, the company was renamed ''Kopřivnická vozovka a.s.'', and in 1919 it changed from the Nesselsdorfer marque to the ''Tatra'' badge,<ref>{{Cite book|author1=Margolius, Ivan|author2=Henry, John G.|name-list-style=amp | title=Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka | location=Dorchester | publisher=Veloce Publishing | year=2015 | isbn=978-1-845847-99-9}}</ref> named after the nearby [[Tatra Mountains]] on the [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]]-[[Poland|Polish]] border (now on the Polish-[[Slovakia|Slovak]] border). |
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== Prewar Streamliners == |
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[[Image:Tatra-t97.jpg|frame|right|The Tatra T97]] |
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Tatra's specialty was luxury cars of a technically advanced nature. In the [[1930s]], under Austrian engineer [[Hans Ledwinka]] and his son Erich, Tatra started building advanced, streamlined cars starting with the large ''Tatra T77'' in 1934, the world's first production aerodynamic car. The T77's [[drag coefficient]] of 0.212 is rarely bettered even by the sleekest modern cars. It featured, as did almost all subsequent big Tatras, a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 engine, very technically sophisticated for the time. |
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In the interwar period, Tatra came to international prominence with its line of affordable cars based on [[Backbone chassis|backbone tube chassis]] and [[air-cooled engine]]s, starting with [[Tatra 11]] (1923). The company also became the pioneer of automotive aerodynamics, starting with [[Tatra 77]] (1934). Following the [[Sudetendeutsches Freikorps#Undeclared German–Czechoslovak War|1938 German-Czechoslovak war]] and [[Munich Agreement]], the town of Kopřivnice was [[Occupation of Czechoslovakia (1938–1945)|occupied by Nazi Germany]] and Tatra's production was directed towards military production. Trucks like [[Tatra 111]] (1942) became instrumental both for the German Nazi war effort as well as post-war reconstruction in Central Europe and [[Soviet Union]]. |
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Ledwinka discussed design ideas with [[Ferdinand Porsche]], and a comparison between the designs of Tatra cars and Porsche's 1938 Kdf-Wagen (known as the [[VW Beetle]] after the war) it is clear to see how Porsche borrowed many of Ledwinka's ideas, particularly as embodied in the relatively small T97 model --4-cylinder, rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, beetle-like styling. Already before [[WW2]] Tatra sued over the matter, but the matter wasn't settled until after the war when [[Volkswagen]] paid up. |
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Today, Tatra's production focuses on heavy, off-road trucks based on its century-long development of backbone chassis, swinging half-axles, and air-cooled engines. The core of its production consists of the [[Tatra 817]], intended primarily for military operators, and the [[Tatra 158 Phoenix|Tatra Phoenix]] (Tatra chassis with [[DAF Trucks|DAF]] cabin and [[Paccar]] water-cooled engine), aimed primarily for the civilian market. In 2023, the company plans to produce over 2,000 trucks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.czdefence.cz/clanek/navstivili-jsme-spolecnosti-tatra-trucks-a-tatra-defence-vehicle | title=Navštívili jsme společnosti Tatra Trucks a Tatra Defence Vehicle }}</ref> |
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== War Years == |
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==Early years== |
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After the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany, Tatras continued in production, largely because Germans liked the cars. Liked them too well, in fact; many German officers met their deaths when pushing heavy, rear-engined Tatras faster around corners than they could handle. In fact, the Tatra became known as the 'Czech Secret Weapon' for the scores of officers who died behind the wheel; at one point, it seems, official orders had to be issued forbidding German officers from driving Tatras. |
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[[File:Nesselsdorfer_logo.jpg|right|thumb|Nesselsdorfer Automobile logo]] |
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[[File:Ignac Sustala memorial plaque.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ignaz Schustala]], founder of the company]] |
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[[File:PresidentFirstCar.jpg|thumb|right|[[Präsident]], the first factory made car in [[Central and Eastern Europe]] in 1897]] |
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[[File:NW Rennzweier 1.jpg|thumb|right|[[NW Rennzweier|Rennzweier]], the first race car made by the company in 1900]] |
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In 1850, [[Ignaz Schustala]] founded "''Ignatz Schustala & Cie''" in [[Kopřivnice]], and the company entered the business of manufacturing [[horse-drawn vehicle]]s. |
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In the 1880s, the company began manufacturing [[railroad car]]s.{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}} |
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== Postwar Communist control == |
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In 1890, the company became a [[joint-stock company]], and was renamed the ''Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriksgesellschaft''. Also that year, Hugo Fischer von Röslerstamm became the company's technical director. After Schustala's death in 1891, von Röslerstamm took over the management of the business. |
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Postwar, Tatras continued to be built; the factory was nationalised in [[1946]] after the Communist takeover. Although production of prewar models continued, a new model, the ''Tatra T600'' [[Tatraplan]] was designed -- the name celebrating the new Communist planned economy. It went into production in [[1947]]. In 1951, the state planning department decided that the Tatraplan should henceforth be built at the [[Skoda]] plant in [[Mladá Boleslav]], leaving Tatra free to concentrate on trucks. This was quite unpopular with the workforce at both plants, as a result Skoda built Tatraplans for one year only before the model was discontinued in 1952. This left Czechoslovakia with no home-built luxury cars. |
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In 1897, the company began creation of an automobile with an internal combustion engine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-19 |title=First long-distance journey in Tatra car 125 years ago |url=https://english.radio.cz/first-long-distance-journey-tatra-car-125-years-ago-8783582 |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Radio Prague International |language=en}}</ref> Using a [[Benz & Cie.|Benz automobile]] purchased by von Röslerstamm as inspiration, the company built its first car, the [[Präsident]], under the direction of engineers [[Hans Ledwinka]] and [[Edmund Rumpler]]. The Präsident was exhibited in Vienna later that year.<ref>Wise, David Burgess. "Rumpler: One Aeroplane which Never Flew", in Northey, Tom, ed. ''World of Automobiles'' (London: Orbis, 1974), Vol. 17, p.1964.</ref> The company began taking orders for cars, and between 1897 and 1900, nine improved cars based on the Präsident were made.<ref>{{cite news|title=NW Präsident - Jak to všechno začalo|url=http://www.autozine.cz/nw-prasident-jak-to-vsechno-zacalo/|work=AutoZine.cz|date=1 March 2015|language=cs}}</ref> |
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== The Tatra T603 == |
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The first car to be completely designed by Ledwinka was the {{ill|Nesselsdorf A|de}}, which was produced in 1900. The Nesselsdorf A was equipped with a rear-mounted {{Val | 1=2714 | ul=cc}} engine, and had a top speed of {{Cvt|40|km/h|mph}}. 22 units were built. |
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A mere three years later, amid much dissatisfaction among officialdom about the poor-quality official cars imported from Russia, Tatra was again given permission to produce a luxury car, the famous Tatra T603. A fair successor to the prewar cars, it was also driven by a rear-engined, air-cooled V8 and had the company's trademark aerodynamic styling. Uniquely, the Tatra T603 featured three headlights, and the first prototypes had a central rear stabilising fin, though this was lost for production. Fitted with almost American-style thick chrome bumpers with bullets, the Tatra T603 was an amazing looking car for 1955. Looks weren't all it had going for it; performance was spritely for a large, six-seater car, and the ride was smooth as glass. Almost entirely hand-built, Tatras were not for everybody; normal citizens could not buy them. They were reserved for Party elites, Communist officials, factory presidents and other notables, as well as being exported to most other Communist nations as official cars. Even Fidel Castro had a white Tatra T603, custom-fitted with air conditioning. |
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The Nesselsdorf A was followed in 1902 by the [[NW B|Type B]], which featured a central engine. |
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Tatra T603s were built until 1975, a twenty-year reign as Communism's finest car. Numerous improvements were made over this time, but not all the 'new' cars built in this period were actually new. When a new Tatra replaced an old, the old vehicle was returned to the factory. There, it was upgraded to modern condition, refinished, dubbed 'new' and sent out again as a putatively new vehicle to replace another older Tatra. This makes it hard to trace the history of surviving vehicles. |
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Ledwinka then left the company to concentrate on steam engine development. He returned in 1905, and designed a completely new car, the [[NW S|Type S]], which was equipped with a {{Val | 1=3308 | ul=cc}} 4-cylinder engine. |
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== 1970s Makeover—the Tatra T613 == |
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In 1912, production was badly affected by a strike that lasted 23 weeks, and von Röslerstamm left the company. In 1916, Ledwinka left the company again, this time to work for one of its competitors, [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch#History|Steyr-Werke]] in [[Graz]].<ref name="Hans Ledwinka 2018">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tatratrucks.com/about-the-company/press-and-media/news/hans-ledwinka-1/|title=Hans Ledwinka :: Tatratrucks.com|website=www.tatratrucks.com}}</ref> |
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In 1968 a replacement was developed; the Tatra T613. It was styled by the Italian styling house of [[Vignale]] and was a more modern, less rounded shape. It wasn't until 1973 that any were actually produced by the factory, and volume production didn't begin until the following year. Although the shape was all new, the engine and layout remained the same, except for moving the engine somewhat forward to improve balance. These cars were built until 1996. It is a tribute to Vignale's excellent styling that they didn't look outdated until rather late in that time period. Over 11,000 cars were built, slowing to a trickle of but a few dozen a year towards the end as Tatras began to seem more and more outdated. |
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==Tatra concept== |
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== Final Steps, and the end == |
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[[File:T-11.JPG|thumb|right|[[Tatra 11]] of 1924]] |
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{{Main|Backbone chassis}} |
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In 1919 the company began using the Tatra brand for its cars. |
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In 1921 the company was renamed "''Kopřivnická vozovka''". That year, the company's director, Leopold Pasching, convinced Ledwinka to return to the company to run its new car plant.<ref name="Hans Ledwinka 2018" /> |
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With orders and production almost at a standstill after the fall of Communism, Tatra decided to stop building the T613 in 1996. An attempt was made to produce an updated version, the T700; it was largely based on the old car, with updated body panels and detail. Sales were poor, and in 1999 Tatra abandoned the manufacture of cars. |
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Ledwinka's next design, the [[Tatra 11]], which was released in 1923, featured a rigid backbone tube with swinging semi-axles at the rear giving independent suspension. The Tatra 11 was fitted with a front-mounted, air-cooled {{Val | 1=1056 | ul=cc}} two-cylinder engine. |
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No such fate has met Tatra's truck production, which is quite successful. |
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In 1924 the company was renamed "''Závody Tatra''". |
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The [[United States|American]] corporation [[Terex]] acquired the majority ownership (71%) of Tatra in late [[2003]]. |
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The [[Tatra 17]], released in 1925, featured a {{Val | 1=1930 |ul=cc}} water-cooled six-cylinder engine, and fully independent suspension. |
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== Models == |
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=== Passenger cars === |
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* [[Tatra V570]] |
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* [[Tatra T77]] |
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* [[Tatra T77a]] |
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* [[Tatra T87]] |
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* [[Tatra T97]] |
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* [[Tatra T107]] |
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* [[Tatra T603]] |
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* Tatra T600 [[Tatraplan]] |
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* [[Tatra T603]] |
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* [[Tatra T613]] |
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* [[Tatra T700]] |
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In 1926, the Tatra 11 was succeeded by the [[Tatra 12]], which was similar to the Tatra 11, but was equipped with four-wheel brakes. |
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=== Trucks === |
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* [[Tatra T813]] |
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* [[Tatra T815]] |
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In 1927 the company was renamed "''Ringhoffer-Tatra''". |
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== See also == |
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<div style="float: left; margin: 0 1em 0.5em 1em; width: 21.5em; text-align: right; font-size: 0.86em; font-family: lucida grande, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> |
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*[[List of automobile manufacturers]] |
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<div style="border:1px solid #999; background:#fff; text-align:left; padding:1em; text-align:left;">[[File:Tatra 87 (Foto Hilarmont).JPG|200px|center]]<br />'''Streamlined Tatras''' |
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*'''[[Tatra V570]]''' <small>''1931, 1933''</small> |
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*'''[[Tatra 77]]''' <small>''1934–1938''</small> |
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*'''[[Tatra 87]]''' <small>''1936–1950''</small> |
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*'''[[Tatra 97]]''' <small>''1936–1939''</small> |
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*'''[[Tatra 600 Tatraplan]]''' <small>''1946–1952''</small> |
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*'''[[Tatra 603]]''' <small>''1956–1975''</small> |
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</div></div> |
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==Prewar streamliners== |
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== External links == |
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[[File:Tatra 77.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tatra 77]], 1933, the world's first production [[aerodynamics|aerodynamic]] car]] |
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*[http://www.tatra.cz Tatra A.S official page] |
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[[File:TatraT97-front.jpg|thumb|[[Tatra 97]], which was later copied by the [[Volkswagen Beetle|VW Beetle]]]] |
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* http://www.tatraworld.nl/TRN_Home.htm |
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Tatra's specialty was luxury cars using the most recent technology, going from [[air cooling|air-cooled]] [[flat-twin engine|flat-twin]]s to fours and sixes, culminating (briefly) with the [[Overhead camshaft|OHC]] 6-litre [[V12 engine|V12]] in 1931.<ref>[[G.N. Georgano]] ''Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930''. (London: Grange-Universal, 1985)</ref> In the 1930s, under the supervision of Austrian engineer [[Hans Ledwinka]], his son Erich and German engineer [[Erich Übelacker]], and protected by high tariffs and absence of foreign assemblers,<ref name="Margolius, Ivan and Henry, John G. 1990">{{Cite book|author1=Margolius, Ivan|author2=Henry, John G.|name-list-style=amp | title=Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka | location=Harrow | publisher=SAF | year=1990 | isbn=0-946719-06-3}}</ref><ref>[[G.N. Georgano]].</ref> Tatra began building advanced, streamlined cars after obtaining licences from [[Paul Jaray]], which started in 1934 with the large [[Tatra 77]], the world's first production [[aerodynamics|aerodynamic]] car.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web |url= http://www.tatra.demon.nl/cars_history_T77_T77A.htm |title= Cars & history: Tatra T77 & T77A (1933–1938) |access-date= 2018-08-21 |work= Tatra |publisher= Demon |place= [[Netherlands|NL]] |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061012221605/http://www.tatra.demon.nl/cars_history_T77_T77A.htm |archive-date= 2006-10-12 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ross |first=Robert |date=2023-01-23 |title=Car of the Week: The 1934 Tatra T77 Is a Czech Wonder. Now a Fully Restored Model Is up for Grabs. |url=https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/1934-tatra-t77-rm-sothebys-2023-amelia-island-auction-1234798368/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Robb Report |language=en-US}}</ref> The average drag coefficient of a 1:5 model of the fastback Tatra 77 was recorded as 0.2455.<ref>Bohumír Mimra, 'Vývojové směry moderního automobilismu', SIA 1936, Technická práce na Ostravsku 1926 – 1936, Moravská Ostrava 1936, p. 593.</ref> It featured (as did almost all subsequent big Tatras) a [[rear-engine design|rear-mounted]], air-cooled [[V8 engine]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-03 |title=The Remarkably Futuristic Tatra T77 From 1934 |url=https://silodrome.com/tatra-t77-car/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Silodrome |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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* The [http://www.tatra.demon.nl/ International Streamlined Tatra Site] |
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* http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Autos/Makes_and_Models/Tatra/ |
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==Tatra and the conception of the Volkswagen Beetle== |
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[[Category:Automobile manufacturers]] |
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Both [[Adolf Hitler]] and [[Ferdinand Porsche]] were influenced by the Tatras.<ref name="willson">Willson, Quentin ''The Ultimate Classic Car Book''. New Your, New York: DK Publishing Inc., 1995. {{ISBN|0-7894-0159-2}}. Pages 214-215</ref> Hitler was a keen automotive enthusiast, and had ridden in Tatras during political tours of Czechoslovakia.<ref name="Margolius, Ivan and Henry, John G. 1990"/><ref name="willson"/> He had also dined numerous times with Ledwinka.<ref name="willson"/> After one of these dinners Hitler remarked to Porsche, "This is the car for my roads".<ref name="Margolius, Ivan and Henry, John G. 1990"/><ref name="willson"/><ref name="mantle">Car Wars, Jonathan Mantle, Arcade Publishing, 1997</ref> From 1933 onwards, Ledwinka and Porsche met regularly to discuss their designs,<ref name="ukcar">{{cite web|title=Brief History of Tatra|url=http://www.ukcar.com/history/Tatra/index.html|work=UKCAR|access-date=27 January 2011}}</ref> and Porsche admitted "Well, sometimes I looked over his shoulder and sometimes he looked over mine" while designing the [[Volkswagen]].<ref name="willson"/><ref name="mantle" /> There is no doubt that the Beetle bore a striking resemblance to the Tatras, particularly the [[Tatra V570]].<ref name="willson"/> The [[Tatra 97]] of 1936 had a rear-located, rear-wheel drive, air-cooled four-cylinder [[boxer engine]] accommodating four passengers and providing luggage storage under the front bonnet and behind the rear seat. Another similarity between this Tatra and the Beetle is the central structural tunnel. Tatra launched a lawsuit against Volkswagen for patent infringement, but this was stopped when [[Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia|Germany invaded Czechoslovakia]]. At the same time, Tatra was forced to stop producing the T97. The matter was re-opened after World War II and in 1965 Volkswagen paid the Ringhoffer family {{currency|1,000,000|DM}} in an out of court settlement.<ref name=schmarbeck>{{cite book|last=Schmarbeck|first=Wolfgang|title=Hans Ledwinka: Seine Autos - Sein Leben|year=1997|publisher=H. Weishaupt Verlag|location=Graz|language=de|page=174|isbn=3-900310-56-4}}</ref> |
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[[Category:Companies of the Czech Republic]] |
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Tatra and Volkswagen's body design were preceded by similar designs of Hungarian automotive engineer [[Béla Barényi|Bela Barenyi]], whose sketches resembling the Volkswagen Beetle date back to 1925.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/53243665f30f4d97a2a292e3c7e76a41|title=From Nazis to hippies: End of the road for Volkswagen Beetle|last=McHUGH|first=DAVID|date=2019-07-09|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref> |
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==War years== |
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After the 1938 invasion of Czechoslovakia by [[Nazi Germany]], Tatras were kept in production, largely because Germans liked the cars. Many German officers died in car accidents caused by driving the heavy, [[Rear-engine design|rear-engined]] Tatras faster around corners than they could [[Car handling|handle]]. At the time, as an anecdote, Tatra became known as the 'Czech Secret Weapon' for the scores of officers who died behind the wheel; at one point official orders were issued forbidding German officers from driving Tatras.<ref name="Margolius, Ivan and Henry, John G. 1990"/><ref name="time.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0%2C28804%2C1658545_1658498_1657833%2C00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015040821/http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1658498_1657833,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 15, 2007|title=1961 Corvair/Rear-engine cars|access-date=2008-06-10|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=2007-09-07}}</ref> |
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[[File:Tatra T600 Tatraplan.jpg|thumb|right|Tatra 600 Tatraplan]] |
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Tatra was instrumental in the production of trucks and tank engines for the German war effort.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} |
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==Postwar management== |
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The factory was nationalised in 1945 almost three years before the [[Communist Party of Czechoslovakia|Communist Party]] [[1948 Czechoslovak coup d'état|came to power]] and in January 1946 was renamed "{{Lang|cs|Tatra Národní Podnik}}". Although production of prewar models continued, a new model, the Tatra 600 [[Tatraplan]] was designed—the name celebrating the new Communist [[planned economy]] and the aeroplane inspiration (Colloq. Czech: aeroplán). It went into production in 1948. In 1951, the state planning department decided that the Tatraplan should henceforth be built at the [[Škoda Auto|Škoda]] plant in [[Mladá Boleslav]], leaving Tatra free to concentrate on trucks, buses and railway equipment. |
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==The Tatra 603== |
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{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2023}} |
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{{Main|Tatra 603}} |
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[[File:Tatra T603.jpg|thumb|[[Tatra 603]] (1956–1962)]] |
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In 1953, amid much dissatisfaction among Communist party leaders with the poor-quality official cars imported from Russia, Tatra was again given permission to produce a luxury car, the [[Tatra 603]]. Much like Tatra's prewar cars, it was driven by a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 and had the company's trademark aerodynamic styling. The Tatra 603 initially featured three headlights and the first prototypes had a central rear stabilising fin, though this feature was lost on production vehicles. It was also fitted with almost [[Passenger vehicles in the United States|American-style]] thick [[Chrome plating|chrome]] [[Bumper (automobile)|bumpers]] with bullets (a.k.a. [[Dagmar bumpers]]). Almost entirely hand-built, Tatras were not available for normal citizens as they were not permitted to buy them.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} The cars were reserved for the Communist Party elite and industrial officials,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Brad |date=1 February 2023 |title=The Tatra 603-2 Is A Premium Sedan That You've Never Heard Of |work=Carscoops |url=https://www.carscoops.com/2023/02/the-tatra-603-2-is-a-premium-sedan-that-youve-never-heard-of/ |access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref> as well as being exported to most other communist nations as official state cars. Notably, Cuban President [[Fidel Castro]] had a white Tatra 603, custom-fitted with air conditioning. |
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Tatra 603s were built until 1975, a twenty-year reign as one of communism's finest cars. Numerous improvements were made during its production run, although not all vehicles built were actually new but rather reconditioned. In exchange for a newer model year car, the older vehicle was returned to the factory. There, it was upgraded to current model year specifications, refinished, and sent out again as a putatively new vehicle to replace another older T603. This makes it difficult to trace the history of surviving vehicles. |
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==1970s makeover—the Tatra 613== |
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{{Main|Tatra 613}} |
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[[File:1976TatraT-613.jpg|thumb|right|Tatra 613 (1976)]] |
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In 1968 a replacement was developed: the [[Tatra 613]]. It was styled by the Italian styling house of [[Vignale]] and was a more modern, less rounded shape. It was not until 1973 that the car went into production, and volume production did not begin until the following year. Although the layout remained the same, the body was all new, as was the engine, which was equipped with four overhead camshafts, a higher capacity motor (3495 cc) and an output close to {{convert|165|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. In addition, it had been moved somewhat forward for improved balance. These cars were built in five series and went through several modifications until production ceased in 1996. Over 11,000 cars were built, and sales slowed to a trickle of just a few dozen per year towards the end of production as Tatras began to seem more and more outdated. |
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==1990s Tatra 700== |
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{{Main|Tatra 700}} |
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[[File:Lešany, Vojenské muzeum, Tatra 700 (jiná přední maska).JPG|thumb|Tatra 700 at a museum]] |
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The Tatra 700 was a large luxury car released in 1996 by Tatra. It was essentially a heavily restyled version of the Tatra 613 model it replaced, with updated body panels and detailing. The T700 was offered as both a saloon and coupé with either a 3.5 or 4.4 litre 90° air-cooled V8 petrol engine. |
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The model was neither successful nor produced in large numbers, with a total of 69–72 cars manufactured. The T700 was the last passenger car made by Tatra with production halting in 1999. At this point, Tatra abandoned automobile manufacturing in order to concentrate on truck design and manufacture. |
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==1990s Tatra MTX V8== |
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[[File:Tatra MTX.JPG|thumb|180px|Tatra MTX V8]] |
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The [[MTX Tatra V8|Tatra MTX V8]] was the fastest Czech car of all time. Production started in 1991 in [[Kopřivnice]]. It has a Tatra 623 V8 engine with inlet manifold injection producing 225 kW at 6500 rpm. It accelerates from 0–{{convert|100|km/h|abbr=on}} in 5.6 seconds. The top speed is {{convert|265|km/h}}. The Czech designer Václav Král designed this vehicle, with only five ever produced. |
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==2000s== |
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In February 2008, Tatra announced the world's first and only air-cooled engine meeting the then forthcoming [[Euro 5]] emissions standards. The press release claims 7.5 times lower emissions of [[Atmospheric particulate matter|particulates]] and 3.5 times lower emission of [[nitrogen oxides]] compared to the previous engine. Further, production of air-cooled engines should significantly reduce the production of greenhouse gases due to the absence of liquid cooling systems. All Tatra vehicles from February 2008 onwards should use the new engine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tatra.cz/en/zajimavosti/Press%20ReleaseEURO5.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029202436/http://www.tatra.cz/en/zajimavosti/Press%20ReleaseEURO5.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Tatra.cz|archivedate=29 October 2008}}</ref><br />A month later, Tatra CEO Ronald Adams told ''The Prague Post'' Tatra could return to producing passenger cars, saying: "We would not come back to compete with the large automobile mass producers such as Volkswagen, Škoda, Toyota etc. But we might come back with a replica of the old Tatra cars using a current undercarriage and driveline from one of the major automotive producers."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.praguepost.com/|title=Prague Post|website=Prague Post|access-date=26 December 2018}}</ref> The company has launched a feasibility study, hoping to produce one thousand replicas of their legendary Tatraplan and 603 cars in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.radio.cz/tatra-plans-renew-production-its-legendary-models-8597498|title=Tatra plans to renew production of its legendary models |publisher=Radio Prague International |date=3 April 2008 |access-date=16 September 2010}}</ref> |
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In July 2008 pictures of a fuel cell concept car designed by Mike Jelinek, the Tatra 903, were shown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carscoops.com/2008/07/tatra-903-fuel-cell-concept.html |title=Tatra 903 Fuel Cell Concept - Carscoops |publisher=Carscoops |date=1 July 2008 |access-date=6 November 2020}}</ref> |
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==Tatra in the West== |
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[[File:1923TatraT-11.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tatra 11]] at the [[Lane Motor Museum]] in Nashville]] |
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Unlike most Eastern Bloc manufacturers, Tatra enjoyed modest sales success in Western Europe, where its truck line had a reputation for simplicity and durability. No effort was made to distribute Tatra's unusual automobiles in the West, though a small number did find their way to collectors in Western Europe, and even to the United States. The end of the Cold War did not help Tatra's fortunes, as the company made no inroads in Western Europe's already crowded automobile market. The introduction of competitors, such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[Peugeot]] into the Czech Republic, further eroded Tatra's sales. Production of passenger cars ended in 1999. |
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Among Western collectors, Tatra automobiles remain largely unknown. The largest display of Tatra vehicles in the United States is at the [[Lane Motor Museum]] in [[Nashville, Tennessee]]. The museum's eclectic automobile collection contains 12 Tatra models, including a T-613 ambulance. When talk show host and car collector [[Jay Leno]] visited the museum, the founder picked him up in a 1947 Tatra 87, prompting Leno to purchase one himself. Leno soon became an advocate for the brand. In the United States, the few Tatra clubs are closely associated with [[Citroen|Citroën]] clubs, as many Tatra collectors also collect [[Citroën DS]] series cars{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}. |
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A Tatra 87 is on exhibit at the [[Minneapolis Institute of Arts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.artsmia.org/blogs/blog/2013/03/03/tatra-t87-four-door-sedan/|title=Tatra T87 four-door sedan|access-date=26 December 2018}}</ref> |
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{{Clear}} |
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==Trucks== |
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===1898–1914 beginning=== |
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[[File:NW 1st lorry2.jpg|thumb|100px|[[NW First Truck]] (1900, replica)]] |
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[[NW First Truck|The first truck]] manufactured at Kopřivnice in 1898<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tatra.cz/en/oldhistory_en.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819101443/http://www.tatra.cz/en/oldhistory_en.asp|url-status=dead|title=Tatra history milestones|archivedate=19 August 2010}}</ref> was a flatbed<ref>{{cite web|last=Prospector |first=Gold |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/smitty1948/2447261277/ |title=Picture of replica first Tatra truck |publisher=Flickr.com |date=2008-04-27 |access-date=2010-09-16}}</ref> with two liquid-cooled side-by-side-mounted two-cylinder Benz engines each at 2.7 L capacity with total power output of 8.8 kW (12 hp) placed after the rear axle and cargo capacity of 2.5 ton. The unique feature of the engines setup was that the engines could be operated sequentially depending on the load requirements. No 1 engine was started via a cranking handle and had a flywheel attached and No 2 engine without the flywheel was connected via a gear clutch and started by the first engine already running. |
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The second truck manufactured was once again a flatbed R type of 2.5 ton cargo capacity built in 1909. Powered by liquid-cooled petrol four-cylinder engine of 4.1 L capacity and power output of 18.4 kW (25 hp) with the engine placed above front axle which is the conventional design to this day. The vehicle featured solid rubber tyres and semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension. In 1910 Tatra manufactured its first bus the Omnibus type SO with total production of five units. |
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===1914–1922 serial production=== |
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[[File:NW TL-4 2.jpg|thumb|NW TL-4 (1916)]] |
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The first true serial truck production at Tatra was instigated by the beginning of [[World War I]]. In the year 1914 there were only two trucks made, type '''T 14/40''' HP; however by 1915's end the production jumped to a total of 105 '''TL-2''' units, and the following year, 1916, the numbers rose to a total of 196 TL-2 and 30 '''TL-4'''. Production peaked in 1917 with 19 TL-2 and 303 TL-4 models, but then production declined, and a similar number of vehicles of one type manufactured in a year was not achieved or surpassed until 1936 with the T 27 model. |
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Technically models TL-2 and TL-4 were almost identically designed; in fact TL-4 evolved from TL-2 where both had liquid-cooled [[OHC]] engines of max power output of {{convert|25.7|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}}. The TL-2 had a [[Gross vehicle mass|GVM]] {{convert|2100|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4000|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} [[Gross Combination Mass|GCM]], TL-4 had {{convert|2700|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} GVM and {{convert|6700|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} GCM respectively. Both types remained in production in small series until 1927. The TL-4 is considered the first truck to come out of NW (Nesselsdorfer Wagen-bau) to carry the name Tatra in 1919.<ref>Moderní užitkové automobily Tatra kolektiv vývojove konstrukce N.P. Tatra Kopřivnice 1979 Naše Vojsko Praha, 1. vydání ''Modern Utility Automobiles Tatra by design team of N.P. Tatra Kopřivnice'', 1979, Naśe Vojsko, Prague, 1st edition</ref> |
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===1923–1938 Tatra concept=== |
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[[File:T93.JPG|thumb|6x6 Tatra 93 (1938)]] |
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After the introduction of Tatra 11 and Tatra 12 cars with their distinctive backbone tube design and swing axles, Tatra introduced its first truck on the same basis,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.global-defence.com/2001/LSpart5.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925055735/http://www.global-defence.com/2001/LSpart5.html|url-status=dead|title=Tatra swings into action 78 years on|archivedate=25 September 2009}}</ref> the light utility Tatra 13 powered by 2-cylinder air-cooled petrol engine with power output 8.8 kW (12 hp) and {{convert|1000|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} cargo capacity. Further models followed, and in 1926, '''T23''' and '''T24''' were introduced, nicknamed "bulldogs", which could be considered Tatra's precursors to [[Cab Over Engine|COE]] designed trucks. Improved version '''T13''' was introduced as '''T26''' with a more powerful 4-cylinder flat air-cooled engine and in six-wheeler chassis created capable offroad light utility truck which later evolved into '''T72''' model which was heavily used by [[Czechoslovakia]]n army at the time and was also manufactured under license by the French company Lorraine-Dietrich. In 1933 Tatra built a limited series of '''T25''' heavy artillery hauler with 4 and 6-cylinder petrol engines. The most popular Tatra truck before [[World War II]] was type '''T27''' powered by 4-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, which remained in production for nearly 17 years (1930–1947) with total production of 7,620 units.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tatraportal.sk/index.php?ukaz=popisky/t27_en&lang=en |title=Tatra 27 vehicle description. Retrieved 2008-11-29 |publisher=Tatraportal.sk |access-date=2010-09-16}}</ref> By adding an extra axle to the rear the type '''T28''' was created; however, it was not successful and only limited production resulted in a mainly bus chassis. In the period from 1931 to 1938 Tatra also built a small utility truck based on the chassis from T30 named Tatra '''T43''' which remain popular with small business owners. '''T72''' model successfully continued the line to '''[[Tatra 82|T82]]''' built mainly for military in cargo and personnel transport between 1935 and 1938 and further to '''T92''' and '''T93''' built for the Romanian army from 1938 to 1941 which were identical except T93 had also a driven front axle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tatraportal.sk/?ukaz=popisky/t92_en&lang=en |title=Tatra 92 technical specifications. Retrieved 2008-11-29 |publisher=Tatraportal.sk |access-date=2010-09-16}}</ref> |
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===1939–1956 World War II and beyond=== |
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{{Main|Tatra 111}} |
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[[File:Vojenská Tatra.jpg|thumb|6x6 Tatra 111 (1942)]] |
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Following the [[Nazi]] occupation of Czechoslovakia the production at Kopřivnice was annexed by the Germans for the supply of trucks needed by the [[Wehrmacht]]. Apart from the existing line up of T27, T92/92 a new heavy truck, the '''T81''', commenced production featuring liquid-cooled 12.5 L V8 diesel engine with a power output of {{convert|118|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}}, in 6×4 axle configuration. This vehicle evolved in 1942 into the '''T111''' which continued in production until 1962, with the total of 33,690 units made.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tatraportal.sk/?ukaz=popisky/t111_en&lang=en |title=Tatra 111 specifications. Retrieved 2008-11-29 |publisher=Tatraportal.sk |access-date=2010-09-16}}</ref> The T111 also featured Tatra's first air-cooled diesel engine, a massive V12 originally designed for the armoured [[Sd.Kfz. 234]] Puma. In the latter stages of World War II Tatra was instrumental in the development of air-cooled diesel engines for German tanks. In late 1944 General [[Heinz Guderian]] ordered that production of the Type 38(t) [[Hetzer]] tank be modified to incorporate a Tatra Type 928 V-8 air-cooled diesel engine, though this order was delayed so production could continue uninterrupted. After the war the T111 contributed heavily to the rebuilding effort in [[Central Europe|Central]] and [[Eastern Europe]] and a memorial was built at [[Magadan]], [[Siberia]], for its exploits in the [[Far Eastern Federal District|Far East]] of the [[USSR]].<ref>[http://www.tatratech.wz.cz/historie/t111.htm Tatratech.wz.cz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718192209/http://www.tatratech.wz.cz/historie/t111.htm |date=2011-07-18 }} Tatra 111 history, {{in lang|cs}} Retrieved 2008-11-29</ref> |
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===1957–1982 moving forward=== |
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{{Main|Tatra 138|Tatra 148|Tatra 813}} |
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[[File:T 813 8x8 Armee.jpg|thumb|8x8 Tatra 813 'KOLOS' (1967)]] |
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The decision to replace the reliable but ageing T111 was taken in 1952 based on [[Central planning|central planning economy]] of [[socialist]] government where directive was made to Tatra N.P. that it should concentrate on the manufacture of 7 to 10 ton capacity commercial vehicles and in 1956 first '''T137''' and '''T138''' trucks were exhibited at the Czechoslovak machinery [[trade fair|expo]] in [[Brno]]. Production of the T111 continued alongside the T138 series until 1962. The T138 itself continued in production until 1969 when it was replaced by the '''T148''', which provided an increase in power output, reliability and product improvements. |
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In 1967 Tatra began production of the '''T813''' off-road truck using its modular construction technology; the model incorporated the latest trends in commercial vehicle design such as cab-over-engine (COE) and wide profile tyres. It featured a new V12 engine and all military versions had a central tyre inflation/deflation system as standard equipment. The T813 was designed to tow loads up to 100 ton [[Gross Combination Mass|GCM]] and it was a familiar sight on the roads in Czechoslovakia hauling large, often over-sized loads. |
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===1982–2008 T815 and beyond=== |
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{{Main|Tatra 815|Tatra 163|Tatra 810}} |
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[[File:Tatra1021.jpg|thumb|[[Tatra 815]] (1983), multiple winning car of [[Dakar Rally]]]] |
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[[File:Brno, Autotec 2008, Nákladní automobil Tatra.jpg|thumb|Tatra 815 "TerrNo1" (1998)]] |
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The Tatra 815 was designed for extreme off-road conditions, and its road versions are derived from the off-road original. After the 53rd session of the [[Comecon|Council for Mutual Economic Assistance]], a directive was issued that Tatra N.P. would be the sole supplier of off-road commercial vehicles of <12 ton capacity for Eastern Bloc countries, leading to a modernization of the company and its production models. Following extensive testing at different sites, including Siberia, the type T815 was introduced in 1982 with production starting in 1983. The T815 was made of 142 main assembly components as opposed to the 219 main assembly components of its predecessor.<ref>The Automobil revue, issue 10'82, the technical monthly of the Czechoslovak Federal Ministry of General Engineering, current ISSN 1211-9555</ref> The engine's power output was increased by up to 45% and a new COE tiltable cabin was introduced. Modular engine designs resulted in offerings of V8, V10 or V12 engines with or without turbocharger. |
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T815 was upgraded to T815-2 with minor cosmetic changes and improved ergonomics and safety – the biggest change was the engine emissions accordance with the "Euro0" limits and to [[Euro I]] limits in 1993 (turbocharged V8 engine only since this time for the full legislation; the [[Deutz AG|Deutz]] 513 air-cooled V8 engine was offered as an alternative). The TerrNo1, introduced in 1997,<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra 815 description|url=http://www.tatra-page.kx.cz/Description/T-815.htm|access-date=2008-11-29|language=cs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605034950/http://www.tatra-page.kx.cz/Description/T-815.htm|archive-date=2010-06-05}}</ref> featured a redesigned cabin as well as better sound and heat insulation than the previous models. The TerrNo1 was based on the same frame as the previous models, so its cabin could be retrofitted to all type T815s built since 1993.<ref>{{cite web|title=TerrNo1 cabin|url=http://www.tatra-page.kx.cz/Description/T-815.htm|access-date=2008-11-29|language=cs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605034950/http://www.tatra-page.kx.cz/Description/T-815.htm|archive-date=2010-06-05}}</ref> In 2000, the TerrNo1 cabin was again redesigned, and for the first time there was an option to fit liquid-cooled engines. |
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The TerrNo1 model introduced the 'KingFrame rear axle suspension setup. Another step in evolution for the T3B engine came with the [[Euro II]] emission limits. Following further improvements in 2003, the T815 had the new [[Euro III]] T3C V8 engine mated to all new 14-speed range+split gearbox as well as an option for engines from other suppliers such as [[Caterpillar Inc|Caterpillar]], [[Cummins]], [[Detroit Diesel]], [[Deutz AG|Deutz]] and [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] to be fitted. In September 2006, Tatra introduced its [[Euro IV]] compliant turbocharged T3D engine with the [[Selective catalytic reduction|SCR]] exhaust technology and in February 2008 the company introduced the world's first [[Euro V]]-compliant air-cooled diesel engine based on the T3D engine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra On Air the only aircooled Euro V engine in the world |url=http://www.tatra.cz/en/zajimavosti/Press%20ReleaseEURO5.pdf |access-date=2008-11-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029202436/http://www.tatra.cz/en/zajimavosti/Press%20ReleaseEURO5.pdf |archive-date=October 29, 2008 }}</ref> |
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The T816 (T815-6) Armax<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra Armax|url=http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/armax_en.pdf|access-date= 2008-11-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061009044753/http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/armax_en.pdf |archive-date = October 9, 2006}}</ref> and Force<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra Force|url= http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/force_EN.pdf|access-date= 2008-11-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061009044346/http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/force_EN.pdf |archive-date = October 9, 2006}}</ref> series, derivatives of Tatra 815, were introduced in 1993 after Tatra participated in the tender process to supply heavy duty off-road trucks to the [[United Arab Emirates Armed Forces|UAE armed forces]]. After two years of bidding, the company secured a contract worth $180 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=T816 history|url=http://www.tatra-page.kx.cz/Description/T-816.htm|language=cs|access-date=2008-11-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207071907/http://www.tatra-page.kx.cz/Description/T-816.htm|archive-date=2009-02-07}}</ref> |
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[[File:Brno, Autotec, Nákladní automobil Tatra Jamal.jpg|thumb|[[Tatra 163|Tatra 163 (1999)]]]] |
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The resulting model became known as T816 "LIWA" ([[Arabic language|Arabic]] for "desert").<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra military specials T816|url=http://www.tatra.cz/en/vojenska_en.asp|access-date= 2008-11-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822135416/http://www.tatra.cz/en/vojenska_en.asp |archive-date = August 22, 2008}}</ref> The latest model intended for military customers is the T817 (T815-7),<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra military trucks|url=http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/vehicles/tatra/|access-date= 2008-11-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822004045/http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/vehicles/tatra/ |archive-date = August 22, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra 817|url=http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/sedmicka_en.pdf|access-date= 2008-11-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061107072512/http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/sedmicka_en.pdf |archive-date = November 7, 2006}}</ref> marketed primarily toward the armed services of [[NATO]] member countries as a high-mobility heavy-duty tactical truck with a low profile cabin for [[C-130]] Hercules transportability. |
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During the 1990s, Tatra decided to produce a bonneted CBE heavy duty off-road truck to continue the successful line started with the T111. This resulted in the [[Tatra 163|T163 Jamal]], which was put into full production in 1999<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra 163 Jamal|url=http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/jamal_EN.pdf|access-date= 2008-11-19 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061009044850/http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/jamal_EN.pdf |archive-date = October 9, 2006}}</ref> after the first prototypes were built in 1997 and following extensive testing. The T163 was purpose-built to be a heavy duty dump truck due to demand, and was based on Tatra's signature backbone tube chassis construction with its cabin being designed by Jiří Španihel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jiří Španihel|url=http://www.spanihel.cz/en/|access-date= 2008-11-29}}</ref> The truck is used mainly on construction sites and in quarries. |
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Tatra was also a successful bidder for the [[Military of the Czech Republic|Czech Army]] replacement of aging Praga V3S (with the Tatra I6 air-cooled engine – one half of the T111 V12 one) medium off-road truck with [[Tatra 810|T810]] which technically is not a "genuine" Tatra as its origin goes back to when former Czech company ROSS, in partnership with Renault Trucks, obtained a contract to supply the army with medium size off-road trucks, the "ROSS R210 6×6". The company however went bankrupt in 1998 and Tatra bought full rights to the design, then modernized and reintroduced it as T810 while continuing cooperation with Renault.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra T810|url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jmvl/jmvla039.html|access-date= 2008-11-29}}</ref> Under the deal Renault supplies the cabins and the engines and [[Praga Hostivar|Praga]] supplied axles and transmissions for the prototypes; however, the whole project has been dogged by controversy due to the way Tatra had obtained the contract, its relationship with supplier Praga and the subsequent court case brought against it by Praga.<ref>{{cite web|title=Praga loses its court bid against Tatra|url=http://www.tatra.cz/en/zajimavosti/zamitnuti_zaloby_Pragy_en.htm|access-date=2008-11-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215014626/http://www.tatra.cz/en/zajimavosti/zamitnuti_zaloby_Pragy_en.htm|archive-date=2009-02-15}}</ref> |
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The serial T810 vehicles are equipped with the new design Tatra rigid axles with the [[Westinghouse Air Brake Company|WABCO]] disc brakes, with the [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] Ecolite transmission and [[Steyr]] drop box. |
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===Navistar and Tatra=== |
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Tatra and [[Navistar]] Defence introduced at [[Eurosatory]] Exposition in Paris, France (Jun 14–18 2010), the results of their strategic alliance since October 2009, the models ATX6 (universal container carrier) and ATX8 (troop carrier).<ref>{{cite web|title=Navistar, Tatra unveil two tactical vehicles at Eurosatory|url=http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?n=Navistar,%20Tatra%20unveil%20two%20tactical%20vehicles%20at%20Eurosatory&id=4632|access-date=27 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218230915/http://defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?n=Navistar,%20Tatra%20unveil%20two%20tactical%20vehicles%20at%20Eurosatory&id=4632|archive-date=18 December 2010}}</ref> The vehicles appear to be based on Tatra 815-7 (T817) 6×6, 8×8 chassis,<ref>{{cite web|title= Navistar-Tatra-ATX8-8×8-truck-system|url=http://www.deagel.com/library/Navistar-Tatra-ATX8-8×8-truck-system_m02010061500047.aspx|access-date=27 June 2010}}</ref> suspension and cabins while using Navistar engines and other components.<ref>{{cite web|title= Navistar Defense and Tatra's ATX6 at Eurosatory|url= http://www.tatraworld.nl/2010/06/27/navistar-defense-and-tatras-atx6-at-eurosatory/|access-date= 27 June 2010|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100916183323/http://www.tatraworld.nl/2010/06/27/navistar-defense-and-tatras-atx6-at-eurosatory/|archive-date= 16 September 2010}}</ref> Under the deal Navistar Defence and Tatra A.S. will market the vehicles in North America, which includes sales to the United States military and foreign military sales financed by the United States government. Tatra will source parts and components through Navistar's global parts and support network for Tatra trucks delivered in markets outside of North America as well as market Navistar-Tatra vehicles around the world in their primary markets.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} |
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==Ownership== |
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The [[Terex Corporation]], an American company, acquired the majority ownership (71%) of Tatra in late 2003.<ref>Terex sells its 80 percent share of Tatra. here [http://all-tatra.blogspot.com/2006/10/terex-corporation-sells-stake-in-czech.html] and Here [http://all-tatra.blogspot.com/2006/10/terex-announces-divestiture-of-its.html].</ref> As of late 2006, however, majority ownership (80.51%) was in the hands of Tatra Holdings s.r.o., an international consortium comprising Vectra Limited of UK, Sam Eyde of the U.S., KBC Private Equity of Belgium, Meadowhill s.r.o. of Czech Republic and Ronald Adams of the U.S. On 15 December 2006, a contract was signed between Tatra and the Czech Republic for 556 trucks at roughly $130 million, or 2.6 billion [[Czech crown]]s. This contract was signed in lieu of replacement of older military vehicles. |
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In April 2007, Tatra announced that it had already matched its production in 2006 and produced 1,600 vehicles. In 2007, Tatra planned to produce between 2,300 and 2,500 vehicles. In contrast to previous years, Tatra has increased employment by the hundreds within the past two quarters, has reversed previous errors, and was growing again.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} |
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In August 2011, [[DAF Trucks]] announced it had built up a 19% stake in Tatra to tighten up cooperation between the companies. DAF's cabs and [[Paccar]] engines became mainstay of the civilian [[Tatra 158 Phoenix]], while DAF dealerships started selling Tatra trucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/big-lorry-blog/2011/08/daf-trucks-grabs-19-stake-in-t.html|access-date=2011-08-03|title=DAF Trucks grabs 19% stake in TATRA and supplies engines and cabs for new range! Biglorryblog has the story...|date=2011-08-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828074547/http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/big-lorry-blog/2011/08/daf-trucks-grabs-19-stake-in-t.html|archive-date=2011-08-28}}</ref> |
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In early 2013, Tatra was facing mounting financial problems. Even though the company had sufficient orders for new trucks, manufacturing was halted as banks refused to provide further loans and company was facing imminent bankruptcy. In March 2013, majority stake in Tatra was acquired by major Czech defense contractor [[Czechoslovak Group]] and Czech metallurgy company [[Promet Group]], which provided company with necessary financial stability. With new owners, Tatra focused its production primarily towards building specialist vehicles tailored to buyers' custom orders. While in 2013 sales amounted to 722 units, in 2023 the company plans to sell over 2,000 trucks, with future increases in sales requiring enlarging of manufacturing capacity.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.idnes.cz/ekonomika/podniky/tatra-auto-strnad-radomir-smolka.A230314_121146_ekoakcie_ven | title=Tatry teď stíháme vyrábět jen taktak, říká šéf výzkumu a vývoje automobilky | date=15 March 2023 }}</ref> |
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== Current models == |
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Tatra mostly supplies individual, highly specialized custom-made vehicles and also sells just the backbone chassis for use in other manufacturer's trucks or specialized vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|title=České výrobce užitkových vozidel láká západní Evropa|url=https://zpravy.e15.cz/byznys/prumysl-a-energetika/ceske-vyrobce-uzitkovych-vozidel-laka-zapadni-evropa-1339953|work=E15.cz|date=20 November 2017|language=cs}}</ref> The current serial production models are: |
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* '''[[Tatra 810]] ''Tactic''''' – medium off-road truck based on [[Vehicle frame#Ladder frame|conventional frame]], portal axles and equipped with Renault water-cooled engine and cabin. Primarily intended for military operators, also offered on civilian market. |
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<gallery> |
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File:Brno, Autotec 2008, armádní Tatra.jpg |
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File:Autotec 2010 - 95.JPG |
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Crane AD10 on TATRA 810.jpg |
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</gallery> |
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* '''[[Tatra 817]] ''Force''''' – heavy off-road truck based on Tatra backbone chassis, Tatra air-cooled engines (other engines also possible) and Tatra cabin. Primarily intended for military operators, also offered on civilian market. |
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<gallery> |
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File:Tatra T 815-7.jpg |
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File:Dowerin Field Days, 2021 (10).jpg |
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File:Neptune complex, Kyiv 2021, 10.jpg |
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</gallery> |
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* '''[[Tatra 158 Phoenix|Tatra 158]] ''Phoenix''''' – heavy off-road truck based on Tatra backbone chassis and equipped with DAF cabin and ZF water-cooled engines. Primarily intended for civilian operators, also offered on military market. |
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<gallery> |
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File:Tatra-158-Phoenix-H-INTES Líšný-CIMG2392.jpg |
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File:Tatra Phoenix (40915784892).jpg |
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File:Tatra-158-Phoenix-Euro6 MIZERA-CIMG2204.jpg |
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</gallery> |
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== Worldwide distribution == |
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[[File:Tatra 815 1.jpg|thumb|Tatra 815 of THW [[Staßfurt]] in 2006]] |
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=== Germany === |
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Several fire brigades and [[Technisches Hilfswerk|civil protection (THW)]] mostly in eastern Germany are traditionally using Tatra trucks. Tatra's own conversion company THT build vehicles for fire brigades and civil protection. Popular in Germany is a large Water tender and pumper based on the Tatra 815.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} The vehicle's water tank has a volume of 4,000 liters or more and a separate tank for [[Foam|foam agent]]. The 4×4 transmission and a gear wading depth of 1.20m make it suitable for rough terrain. In German use the vehicle is called "TLF4000" (Tanklöschfahrzeug 4000) and is primarily used at [[airport]]s and to fight forest fires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Löb |first=Rico |date=2017-05-04 |title=FFW Großschönau: TLF 4000 auf Tatra 815-7 |url=https://blaulicht-magazin.net/tlf-4000-auf-tatra-815-7/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Blaulicht-Magazin.net |language=de-DE}}</ref> |
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In 2021 the [[Bundeswehr fire brigade]] ordered 76 Tatra firefighting vehicles to fight forest fires (ordered by BwFuhrparkService GmbH). They are based upon the Tatra T 815-7 4×4 chassis, with equipment by [[Austria]]n [[Rosenbauer|Rosenbauer Group]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fahrzeugbeschaffungen – Erste Auftragserteilung durch BwFuhrparkService GmbH |date=23 August 2021 |url=https://bundeswehrfeuerwehr.de/fahrzeugbeschaffungen-erste-auftragserteilung-durch-bwfuhrparkservice-gmbh/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |language=de-DE}}</ref> |
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=== India === |
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Tatra had a truck-building joint venture in India called Tatra Vectra Motors Ltd, formerly called Tatra Trucks India Ltd. It is a joint venture between Tatra and the Vectra Group from England.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tatraindia.com/Files/Introduction.htm |title=Introduction to Tatra Vectra Motors Limited |publisher=Tatraindia.com |access-date=2011-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004122730/http://www.tatraindia.com/Files/Introduction.htm |archive-date=2011-10-04 }}</ref> In 2002, the company received a 1,070 trucks order from the [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite web|date=2002-05-09|title=SDC Announces Large Indian Order for its Tatra Truck Unit; Tatra Backlog Up Significantly Over Last Year. (09-MAY-02) Business Wire|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-25327790_ITM|access-date=2009-05-07|publisher=Accessmylibrary.com}}</ref> Tatra's growing involvement in India's defense industry has been cited as an example of growing relations between Czech Republic and India.<ref>{{cite web|date=2003-01-06|title=The Czechs' Indian Gambit|url=http://www.globalpolitician.com/22889-czech|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215052155/http://www.globalpolitician.com/22889-czech|archive-date=2009-02-15|access-date=2009-05-07|publisher=Global Politician}}</ref> |
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In 2009, [[Vectra Group|Vectra]] announced a new joint venture with Russia's [[Kamaz]] to form Kamaz Vectra Motors Limited to manufacture Kamaz trucks in India.<ref name="vectragroup.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.vectragroup.com/gc_kamazvectra.asp |title=Vectra Group - Group Companies - Kamaz Vectra Motors Ltd |access-date=2011-10-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121115733/http://www.vectragroup.com/gc_kamazvectra.asp |archive-date=2011-11-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2058&Itemid=2|title=MACHINIST|website=machinist.in|access-date=26 December 2018}}</ref> This joint venture replaced the former Tatra Vectra venture.<ref name="vectragroup.com" /> The manufacturing plant is located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The fully integrated manufacturing facility includes an engine assembly and testing plant, a cabin welding shop, a frame fabrication shop and a test track. Most Tatra trucks for sale in India are manufactured in collaboration with [[Bharat Earth Movers Limited]] (BEML).<ref>[http://www.cbw.cz/en/india-rising/3112.html CBW.cz] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218123939/http://www.cbw.cz/en/india-rising/3112.html |date=February 18, 2009 }}</ref> |
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Tatra was part of a [[Tatra Truck scam|2012 investigation]] in what has been described a "procurement scam" involving former [[BEML Limited|BEML]] chief VRS Natarajan.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pioneer|first=The|title=Tatra truck scam: CBI gears up to finalise chargesheet|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2014/sunday-edition/tatra-truck-scam-cbi-gears-up-to-finalise-chargesheet.html|access-date=2021-06-21|website=The Pioneer|language=en}}</ref> |
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<gallery> |
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File:Know Your Army Jalandhar 2009-83.jpg|Tatra Recovery Vehicle of the Indian Army |
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File:Tatra truck.jpg|A Tatra Truck at [[India Gate]], New Delhi on India Republic Day on 26 January |
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File:Smerch 30MM hemant rawat (11).jpg|Indian Army Tatra truck carrying [[BM-30 Smerch]] rocket |
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</gallery> |
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=== Israel === |
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[[File:SPYDER.jpg|thumb|SPYDER anti-aircraft missile system developed by the Israeli company [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems|Rafael]], fitted atop a TATRA truck]] |
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Reportedly following one of the Israeli-Arab conflicts, Israel tested some Tatras captured from the Egyptian armed forces. The [[Israel Defense Forces]]' command was apparently quite impressed with their performance, independent air cooling, and their capabilities as military trucks in long-range raiding operations in desert terrain, and became interested in including these trucks in their arsenal. As direct purchase from Czechoslovakia was impossible due to its alignment with Israeli foes, the lore has it that Israelis used the well-paid services of [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]]-led Romania, in cooperation with an American Company called ATC (American Truck Company) to purchase military trucks, including desert-equipped Tatras, leading to jokes that "Romania has a new desert". Current photos of various Israeli weapon systems, including [[SPYDER]] slated for India, show new Tatras as the carrier vehicles.{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} |
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A number of Tatra trucks entered service in the Israeli Army's various sectors, with the brand mark of "American Truck Company", under which Tatras were sold from the U.S. market and exported to Israel. |
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=== United States === |
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''American Truck Company'' was a quasi-independent company set up by Terex, when they controlled Tatra, to import Tatra vehicles in both knock down kits or fully built and carry out assembly operations, repair and service, body building on chassis in the United States.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/NvtckL1XG40 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160826220711/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvtckL1XG40 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvtckL1XG40|title=Military Vehicles [Czech/USA]: ATC 6x6 14-Tonne Tactical Truck (Tatra/Terex)|last=DanieruShidebuteru|date=21 November 2010 |access-date=26 December 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="military-today.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/trucks/atc_6x6.htm|title=ATC 6x6 Heavy Utility Truck - Military-Today.com|website=www.military-today.com|access-date=26 December 2018}}</ref> These trucks were offered to the military and other government organizations and were badged and sold in the United States under the ATC brand.<ref name="military-today.com"/> ATC badged Tatras were fitted with American Cummins turbodiesel engines in place of the Tatra's air-cooled diesel.<ref name="military-today.com"/> |
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==Tatra aircraft==<!--linked from Bücker Bü 131 --> |
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[[File:T131.jpg|thumb|Tatra T.131, a licence-built Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann]] |
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[[File:Tatra 101.2.JPG|thumb|Tatra T.101 two-seater touring aircraft]] |
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The Ringhoffer-Tatra Works Ltd. produced several aircraft and aero-engines in the 1930s and 1940s before annexation by Germany, and after under the orders of the [[Ministry of Aviation (Germany)|RLM]]. Among the aircraft produced were the following:<ref>* Grey, C.G. & Bridgman, Leonard. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. Sampson Low, Marston & company, ltd.. London. 1938</ref>- |
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===Built under licence=== |
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* [[Avro 626|Tatra T.126]] (Avro 626 Avian) |
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* [[Bücker Bü 131|Tatra T.131]] (Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann) |
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===Tatra designed and built=== |
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* [[Tatra T.001]] |
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* [[Tatra T.002]] |
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* [[Tatra T.003]] |
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* [[Tatra T.101]] |
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* [[Tatra T.201]] |
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* [[Tatra T.301]] |
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** [[Tatra T.401]] |
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==Historic models== |
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===Passenger cars=== |
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====Before the company was renamed to Tatra==== |
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* [[Präsident|NW Präsident]] (1897) |
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* [[NW Präsident II]] (1898) |
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* [[NW Elektromobil]] (1900) |
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* [[NW A]] (1900-1902) |
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* [[NW B]] (1902-1904) |
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* [[NW C]] (1902-1905) |
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* [[NW D]] (1902-1905) |
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* [[NW E]] (1904-1906) |
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* [[NW F]] (1906) |
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* [[NW J]] (1906-1911) |
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* [[NW L]] (1906-1911) |
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* [[NW S]] (1906-1911) |
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* [[Tatra 20|NW T]] (1914-1919) |
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* [[Tatra 10|NW U]] (1915-1919) |
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====After the name Tatra was adopted==== |
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* [[Tatra 10]] (1919-1927, renamed from NW U) |
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* [[Tatra 11]] (1923-1926) |
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* [[Tatra 12]] (1926-1934) |
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* [[Tatra 17]] (1925-1929) |
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* [[Tatra 20]] (1919-1926, renamed from NW T) |
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* [[Tatra 30]] (1926-1931) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 31|cs}} (1928-1930, based on the T17) |
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* [[Tatra 52]] (1931-1939) |
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* [[Tatra 54]] (1931-1934) |
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* [[Tatra 57]] (1931-1948) |
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* [[Tatra 70]] (1931-1936) |
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* [[Tatra 75]] (1934-1942) |
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* [[Tatra 77]] (1934-1938) |
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* [[Tatra 80]] (1930-1937, based on the T70) |
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* [[Tatra 87]] (1937-1950) |
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* [[Tatra 97]] (1937-1939) |
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* [[Tatra 600|Tatra 107]] (1946; initial designation for the T600) |
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* [[Tatra 600|Tatra 600 Tatraplan]] (1948-1952) |
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* [[Tatra 603]] (1956-1975) |
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* [[Tatra 613]] (1974-1996) |
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* [[Tatra 623]] (1980-1998) |
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* [[Tatra 700]] (1996-1999) |
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===Trucks=== |
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[[File:T805 hasiči.JPG|thumb|"baby" Tatra T805]] |
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[[File:T813 army2.JPG|thumb|[[RM-70 multiple rocket launcher]]]] |
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[[File:OT-64 SKOT.jpg|thumb|[[OT-64 SKOT]]]] |
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* [[NW First Truck]] (1898) |
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* [[NW O]] (1907-1909) |
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* [[NW R]] (1908) |
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* [[NW K]] (1909-1911) |
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* [[NW M]] (1909-1911) |
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* [[NW SO]] (1910-1914) |
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* [[NW TL-2]] (1915-1924) |
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* [[NW TL-4]] (1916-1924) |
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* [[NW TO]] (1920-1928) |
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* [[Tatra 13]] (1925-1933) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 22|cs}} (1934-1935, derived from the T27) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 23|cs}} (1927-1933, first Tatra truck with a backbone frame) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 24|cs}} (1929-1939, three-axle version of T23) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 25|cs}} (1928, 1933-1934) |
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* [[Tatra 26]] (1926-1933) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 27|cs}} (1930-1947) |
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* [[Tatra 27|Tatra 28]] (1932, three-axle version of T27) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 43|cs}} (1929-1938) |
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* [[Tatra 49]] (1929-1930)<!--some sources state production ended in 1939, this is likely incorrect--> |
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* [[Tatra 72]] (1933-1937) |
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* [[Tatra 74]] |
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* [[Tatra 79]] |
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* [[Tatra 81]] (1939-1942, predecessor of T111) |
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* [[Tatra 82]] (1935-1937) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 85|cs}} (1936-1941) |
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* [[Tatra 92]] (1938-1940, developed from T82) |
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* [[Tatra 92|Tatra 93]] (1937-1941) |
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* [[Tatra 111]] (1942-1962) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 114|cs|Tatra 114/115}} (1947-1948, developed from the T27) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 115|cs|Tatra 114/115}} (1948-1949, T114 development) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 128|cs}} (1951-1952, T111 derivative) |
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* [[Tatra 138]] (1959-1971) |
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** [[OT-64 SKOT]] Tatra engine powered [[Eight-wheel drive|8×8]] armored personnel carrier |
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* {{ill|Tatra 141|cs}} (1957-1970, tractor-trailer version of T111) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 147|cs}} (1957-1961, shortened version of T111) |
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* [[Tatra 148]] (1972-1982, improved T138) |
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* [[Tatra 158|Tatra 158 ''Phoenix'']] (2011–present) |
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* [[Tatra 163|Tatra 163 ''Jamal'']] (1999-2014) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 805|cs}} (1953-1960) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 809|cs}} (1953) |
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* [[Tatra 810|Tatra 810 ''ANTS'']] (2008–present) |
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* [[Tatra 813]] (1967-1982) |
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** [[RM-70]] [[Eight-wheel drive|8×8]] armored multiple rocket launcher based on Tatra 813 |
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* [[Tatra 815|Tatra 815, 815-2 and ''TerrNo1'']] (1983–present) |
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** [[Tatrapan]] [[six-wheel drive|6×6]] Armored vehicle based on the Tatra 815 chassis. |
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* [[Tatra 816]] (1996–present) |
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** '''Armax''' Trucks [[four-wheel drive|4×4]], [[six-wheel drive|6×6]] and [[eight-wheel drive|8×8]] with air-cooled Tatra engines and transmissions by Tatra |
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* [[Tatra 817]] (2008–present, developed from the T815) |
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===Buses=== |
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* {{ill|Tatra 500 HB|cs}} (1950–1957) |
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===Trolleybuses=== |
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[[File:Trol Tatra T 400 Brno.jpg|thumb|Tatra 400 trolleybus]] |
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* Tatra 86 (1936–38)<ref name="murray">{{cite book|last=Murray|first=Alan|title=World Trolleybus Encyclopaedia|year=2000|pages=99, 148|publisher=Trolleybooks|location=Yateley, Hampshire, UK|isbn=0-904235-18-1}}</ref> |
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* Tatra 400 (1948–1955)<ref name="murray"/> |
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* Tatra 401 (1958; only one built)<ref name="murray"/> |
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===Prototypes and racing cars=== |
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* [[NW Rennzweier]] (1900) |
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* [[NW Second Truck]] (1909) |
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* [[NW T14/40]] (1914) |
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* [[Tatra 12|Tatra 12 Targa Florio]] (1925) |
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* [[Tatra 30|Tatra 30 Sport]] (1926) |
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* [[Tatra 34]] (prototype armored car based on T31) |
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* [[Tatra 84]] (1935, first all-wheel-drive Tatra) |
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* [[Tatra 90]] (1935) |
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* [[Tatra 112]] |
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* [[Tatra 113]] |
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* [[Tatra 116|Tatra 116/117/120]] (1948) |
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* [[Tatra 118|Tatra 118/119/122]] (1948) |
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* [[Tatra 128|Tatra 130]] (1951, three-axle version of T128) |
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* [[Tatra 128|Tatra 131]] (1951, T128 with dual rear wheels) |
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* [[Tatra 138|Tatra 137]] (1956, two-axle version of T138, produced as the T138 4x4) |
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* [[Tatra 815#History|Tatra 157]] (1972; intended to replace the T148 but became the T815) |
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* [[Tatra 162]] (1987) |
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* [[Tatra 163|Tatra 163 Jamal Evo]] (2003) |
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* [[Tatra 600|Tatra 201]] (1947) |
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* [[Tatra 600|Tatra 600 Diesel]] (1952) |
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* [[Tatra 601|Tatra 601 Convertible]] (1951) |
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* [[Tatra 601|Tatra 601 Monte Carlo]] (1949) |
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* [[Tatra 602|Tatra 602 Tatraplan Sport]] (1949) |
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* [[Tatra 603|Tatra 603 A]] (1964) |
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* [[Tatra 603|Tatra 603 B5]] (1966) |
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* [[Tatra 603|Tatra 603 B6]] (1967) |
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* [[Tatra 603|Tatra 603 MB]] (1961) |
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* [[Tatra 603|Tatra 603 Monte Carlo]] |
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* [[Tatra 603|Tatra 603 X]] (1966) |
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* [[Tatra 604]] (1954) |
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* [[Tatra 605]] (1957) |
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* [[Tatra 607 Monopost]] (1950-1954) |
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* {{ill|Tatra 607-2|cs|Tatra 607 Monopost}} (1954-1958) |
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* [[Tatra 801]] (1949) |
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* [[Tatra 803]] (1950) |
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* [[Tatra 804]] (1951, lightweight T803) |
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* [[Tatra 805|Tatra 806]] (1951, based on T803) |
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* [[Tatra Baghira]] (1973) |
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* {{ill|Tatra Delfín|cs}} (1963) |
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* [[Tatra JK 2500]] (1956) |
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* [[Tatra T-III]] (1936 prototype tank) |
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* [[Tatra 700|Tatra Prezident]] (1994) |
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* [[MTX Tatra V8]] (1991) |
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* [[Tatra V570]] (1931) |
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* [[Tatra V740]] (1937) |
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* [[Tatra V750]] (1935) |
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* [[Tatra V799]] (1938) |
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* [[Tatra V809]] (1940) |
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* {{ill|Tatra V855|cs|Tatra V 855}} (1942) |
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==See also== |
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* [[František Kardaus]] |
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* [[Austro-Tatra]] |
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* [[Avia Motors|Avia]] |
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* [[List of Czech automobiles]] |
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* [[List of automobile manufacturers]] |
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==Notes== |
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{{notelist}} |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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==Sources== |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090219124527/http://www.tatra.cz/en/down/profil_EN.pdf Tatra company profile, Retrieved 2008-11-29] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091123005210/http://www.tatra.cz/web_en/brozury/vojaci_EN.pdf Present Tatra military trucks (T810, T815, T816, T817)] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080324222615/http://www.tatraworld.nl/tatraworld-historypage.htm Tatra history at Tatra World] |
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* Grey, C.G. & Bridgman, Leonard. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. Sampson Low, Marston & company, ltd.. London. 1938 |
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* Willson, Quentin ''The Ultimate Classic Car Book''. New Your, New York: DK Publishing Inc., 1995. {{ISBN|0-7894-0159-2}}. Pages 214-215 |
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==Further reading== |
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* {{Cite book|author1=Margolius, Ivan|author2=Henry, John G.|name-list-style=amp | title=Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka | location=Harrow | publisher=SAF | year=1990 | isbn=0-946719-06-3}} |
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* {{Cite book|author1=Margolius, Ivan|author2=Henry, John G.|name-list-style=amp | title=Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka, new edition | location=Dorchester | publisher=Veloce Publishing | year=2015 | isbn=978-1-845847-99-9}} |
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* ''Tatra Automobiles - Luxury Cars from Koprivnice 1920–1940'' by Miroslav Gomola, AGM publisher Czech republic |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080306143814/http://www.tatraworld.nl/Tatra_World_literature.htm List of Literature and Magazines articles related to Tatra] |
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==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Tatra (company)}} |
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* [http://www.tatra.cz/ Tatra Official site] |
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* [https://tatra-lkw.de/ TATRA GERMANY] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080711024842/http://www.tatraindia.com/ Tatra India] |
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* [http://www.tatraplan.co.uk/ Tatra and Tatraplan cars site] |
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* [http://www.sos-tatra.prodejce.cz/ Tatra Cars Services] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071009200548/http://www.tatra.demon.nl/ International Streamlined Tatra Site] |
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* [http://www.aviators.cz/ Tatra Aircraft History] {{in lang|cs}} |
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* [http://www.tatramuseum.cz/ Tatra Museum] |
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* [http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/tatras-long-twilight-is-explored-at-a-tennessee-museum/?hpw "Tatra’s Long Twilight Is Explored at a Tennessee Museum"] at NY Times, July 20, 2011 |
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* [http://autohistories.org/tatra/index.html the unofficial Tatra Automobile pages] - history and pictures (English) |
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* [http://autohistories.org/tatra_trucks/index.html the unofficial Tatra Truck History pages] - history and pictures (English) |
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{{Tatra models}} |
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{{Automotive industry in the Czech Republic}} |
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Latest revision as of 16:57, 20 November 2024
Company type | Private |
---|---|
Industry | Automotive industry |
Founded | 1850 (original) 1897 (as a car manufacturer) |
Founder | Ignaz Schustala |
Headquarters | Kopřivnice, Moravian-Silesian Region, Czech Republic |
Area served | Worldwide (except Japan, and North America)[citation needed] |
Key people | Hugo Fischer von Roeslerstamm (designer) Hans Ledwinka (designer) Julius Mackerle (designer) Lukáš Andrýsek (CEO) |
Products | Automobiles, wagons, carriages, trucks |
Revenue | CZK 5.4 billion (2016) |
562,794,000 Czech koruna (2017) | |
CZK 482 million (2016) | |
Total assets | 6,211,396,000 Czech koruna (2017) |
Owner |
|
Number of employees | 1,658 (2016) |
Website | tatratrucks |
Tatra is a Czech vehicle manufacturer from Kopřivnice. It is owned by the TATRA TRUCKS a.s. company, and it is the third oldest company in the world producing motor vehicles with an unbroken history.[a][1] The company was founded in 1850 as Ignatz Schustala & Cie. In 1890 the company became a joint-stock company and was renamed the Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriksgesellschaft. In 1897, the Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriksgesellschaft produced the Präsident, which was the first factory-produced automobile with a petrol engine to be made in Central and Eastern Europe. The First Truck was made a year later, in 1898. In 1918, the company was renamed Kopřivnická vozovka a.s., and in 1919 it changed from the Nesselsdorfer marque to the Tatra badge,[2] named after the nearby Tatra Mountains on the Czechoslovak-Polish border (now on the Polish-Slovak border).
In the interwar period, Tatra came to international prominence with its line of affordable cars based on backbone tube chassis and air-cooled engines, starting with Tatra 11 (1923). The company also became the pioneer of automotive aerodynamics, starting with Tatra 77 (1934). Following the 1938 German-Czechoslovak war and Munich Agreement, the town of Kopřivnice was occupied by Nazi Germany and Tatra's production was directed towards military production. Trucks like Tatra 111 (1942) became instrumental both for the German Nazi war effort as well as post-war reconstruction in Central Europe and Soviet Union.
Today, Tatra's production focuses on heavy, off-road trucks based on its century-long development of backbone chassis, swinging half-axles, and air-cooled engines. The core of its production consists of the Tatra 817, intended primarily for military operators, and the Tatra Phoenix (Tatra chassis with DAF cabin and Paccar water-cooled engine), aimed primarily for the civilian market. In 2023, the company plans to produce over 2,000 trucks.[3]
Early years
[edit]In 1850, Ignaz Schustala founded "Ignatz Schustala & Cie" in Kopřivnice, and the company entered the business of manufacturing horse-drawn vehicles.
In the 1880s, the company began manufacturing railroad cars.[citation needed]
In 1890, the company became a joint-stock company, and was renamed the Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriksgesellschaft. Also that year, Hugo Fischer von Röslerstamm became the company's technical director. After Schustala's death in 1891, von Röslerstamm took over the management of the business.
In 1897, the company began creation of an automobile with an internal combustion engine.[4] Using a Benz automobile purchased by von Röslerstamm as inspiration, the company built its first car, the Präsident, under the direction of engineers Hans Ledwinka and Edmund Rumpler. The Präsident was exhibited in Vienna later that year.[5] The company began taking orders for cars, and between 1897 and 1900, nine improved cars based on the Präsident were made.[6]
The first car to be completely designed by Ledwinka was the Nesselsdorf A , which was produced in 1900. The Nesselsdorf A was equipped with a rear-mounted 2714 cc engine, and had a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). 22 units were built.
The Nesselsdorf A was followed in 1902 by the Type B, which featured a central engine.
Ledwinka then left the company to concentrate on steam engine development. He returned in 1905, and designed a completely new car, the Type S, which was equipped with a 3308 cc 4-cylinder engine.
In 1912, production was badly affected by a strike that lasted 23 weeks, and von Röslerstamm left the company. In 1916, Ledwinka left the company again, this time to work for one of its competitors, Steyr-Werke in Graz.[7]
Tatra concept
[edit]In 1919 the company began using the Tatra brand for its cars.
In 1921 the company was renamed "Kopřivnická vozovka". That year, the company's director, Leopold Pasching, convinced Ledwinka to return to the company to run its new car plant.[7]
Ledwinka's next design, the Tatra 11, which was released in 1923, featured a rigid backbone tube with swinging semi-axles at the rear giving independent suspension. The Tatra 11 was fitted with a front-mounted, air-cooled 1056 cc two-cylinder engine.
In 1924 the company was renamed "Závody Tatra".
The Tatra 17, released in 1925, featured a 1930 cc water-cooled six-cylinder engine, and fully independent suspension.
In 1926, the Tatra 11 was succeeded by the Tatra 12, which was similar to the Tatra 11, but was equipped with four-wheel brakes.
In 1927 the company was renamed "Ringhoffer-Tatra".
Streamlined Tatras
- Tatra V570 1931, 1933
- Tatra 77 1934–1938
- Tatra 87 1936–1950
- Tatra 97 1936–1939
- Tatra 600 Tatraplan 1946–1952
- Tatra 603 1956–1975
Prewar streamliners
[edit]Tatra's specialty was luxury cars using the most recent technology, going from air-cooled flat-twins to fours and sixes, culminating (briefly) with the OHC 6-litre V12 in 1931.[8] In the 1930s, under the supervision of Austrian engineer Hans Ledwinka, his son Erich and German engineer Erich Übelacker, and protected by high tariffs and absence of foreign assemblers,[9][10] Tatra began building advanced, streamlined cars after obtaining licences from Paul Jaray, which started in 1934 with the large Tatra 77, the world's first production aerodynamic car.[11][12] The average drag coefficient of a 1:5 model of the fastback Tatra 77 was recorded as 0.2455.[13] It featured (as did almost all subsequent big Tatras) a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 engine.[14]
Tatra and the conception of the Volkswagen Beetle
[edit]Both Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche were influenced by the Tatras.[15] Hitler was a keen automotive enthusiast, and had ridden in Tatras during political tours of Czechoslovakia.[9][15] He had also dined numerous times with Ledwinka.[15] After one of these dinners Hitler remarked to Porsche, "This is the car for my roads".[9][15][16] From 1933 onwards, Ledwinka and Porsche met regularly to discuss their designs,[17] and Porsche admitted "Well, sometimes I looked over his shoulder and sometimes he looked over mine" while designing the Volkswagen.[15][16] There is no doubt that the Beetle bore a striking resemblance to the Tatras, particularly the Tatra V570.[15] The Tatra 97 of 1936 had a rear-located, rear-wheel drive, air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine accommodating four passengers and providing luggage storage under the front bonnet and behind the rear seat. Another similarity between this Tatra and the Beetle is the central structural tunnel. Tatra launched a lawsuit against Volkswagen for patent infringement, but this was stopped when Germany invaded Czechoslovakia. At the same time, Tatra was forced to stop producing the T97. The matter was re-opened after World War II and in 1965 Volkswagen paid the Ringhoffer family DM 1,000,000 in an out of court settlement.[18]
Tatra and Volkswagen's body design were preceded by similar designs of Hungarian automotive engineer Bela Barenyi, whose sketches resembling the Volkswagen Beetle date back to 1925.[19]
War years
[edit]After the 1938 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany, Tatras were kept in production, largely because Germans liked the cars. Many German officers died in car accidents caused by driving the heavy, rear-engined Tatras faster around corners than they could handle. At the time, as an anecdote, Tatra became known as the 'Czech Secret Weapon' for the scores of officers who died behind the wheel; at one point official orders were issued forbidding German officers from driving Tatras.[9][20]
Tatra was instrumental in the production of trucks and tank engines for the German war effort.[citation needed]
Postwar management
[edit]The factory was nationalised in 1945 almost three years before the Communist Party came to power and in January 1946 was renamed "Tatra Národní Podnik". Although production of prewar models continued, a new model, the Tatra 600 Tatraplan was designed—the name celebrating the new Communist planned economy and the aeroplane inspiration (Colloq. Czech: aeroplán). It went into production in 1948. In 1951, the state planning department decided that the Tatraplan should henceforth be built at the Škoda plant in Mladá Boleslav, leaving Tatra free to concentrate on trucks, buses and railway equipment.
The Tatra 603
[edit]In 1953, amid much dissatisfaction among Communist party leaders with the poor-quality official cars imported from Russia, Tatra was again given permission to produce a luxury car, the Tatra 603. Much like Tatra's prewar cars, it was driven by a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 and had the company's trademark aerodynamic styling. The Tatra 603 initially featured three headlights and the first prototypes had a central rear stabilising fin, though this feature was lost on production vehicles. It was also fitted with almost American-style thick chrome bumpers with bullets (a.k.a. Dagmar bumpers). Almost entirely hand-built, Tatras were not available for normal citizens as they were not permitted to buy them.[citation needed] The cars were reserved for the Communist Party elite and industrial officials,[21] as well as being exported to most other communist nations as official state cars. Notably, Cuban President Fidel Castro had a white Tatra 603, custom-fitted with air conditioning.
Tatra 603s were built until 1975, a twenty-year reign as one of communism's finest cars. Numerous improvements were made during its production run, although not all vehicles built were actually new but rather reconditioned. In exchange for a newer model year car, the older vehicle was returned to the factory. There, it was upgraded to current model year specifications, refinished, and sent out again as a putatively new vehicle to replace another older T603. This makes it difficult to trace the history of surviving vehicles.
1970s makeover—the Tatra 613
[edit]In 1968 a replacement was developed: the Tatra 613. It was styled by the Italian styling house of Vignale and was a more modern, less rounded shape. It was not until 1973 that the car went into production, and volume production did not begin until the following year. Although the layout remained the same, the body was all new, as was the engine, which was equipped with four overhead camshafts, a higher capacity motor (3495 cc) and an output close to 165 bhp (123 kW; 167 PS). In addition, it had been moved somewhat forward for improved balance. These cars were built in five series and went through several modifications until production ceased in 1996. Over 11,000 cars were built, and sales slowed to a trickle of just a few dozen per year towards the end of production as Tatras began to seem more and more outdated.
1990s Tatra 700
[edit]The Tatra 700 was a large luxury car released in 1996 by Tatra. It was essentially a heavily restyled version of the Tatra 613 model it replaced, with updated body panels and detailing. The T700 was offered as both a saloon and coupé with either a 3.5 or 4.4 litre 90° air-cooled V8 petrol engine. The model was neither successful nor produced in large numbers, with a total of 69–72 cars manufactured. The T700 was the last passenger car made by Tatra with production halting in 1999. At this point, Tatra abandoned automobile manufacturing in order to concentrate on truck design and manufacture.
1990s Tatra MTX V8
[edit]The Tatra MTX V8 was the fastest Czech car of all time. Production started in 1991 in Kopřivnice. It has a Tatra 623 V8 engine with inlet manifold injection producing 225 kW at 6500 rpm. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds. The top speed is 265 kilometres per hour (165 mph). The Czech designer Václav Král designed this vehicle, with only five ever produced.
2000s
[edit]In February 2008, Tatra announced the world's first and only air-cooled engine meeting the then forthcoming Euro 5 emissions standards. The press release claims 7.5 times lower emissions of particulates and 3.5 times lower emission of nitrogen oxides compared to the previous engine. Further, production of air-cooled engines should significantly reduce the production of greenhouse gases due to the absence of liquid cooling systems. All Tatra vehicles from February 2008 onwards should use the new engine.[22]
A month later, Tatra CEO Ronald Adams told The Prague Post Tatra could return to producing passenger cars, saying: "We would not come back to compete with the large automobile mass producers such as Volkswagen, Škoda, Toyota etc. But we might come back with a replica of the old Tatra cars using a current undercarriage and driveline from one of the major automotive producers."[23] The company has launched a feasibility study, hoping to produce one thousand replicas of their legendary Tatraplan and 603 cars in 2010.[24]
In July 2008 pictures of a fuel cell concept car designed by Mike Jelinek, the Tatra 903, were shown.[25]
Tatra in the West
[edit]Unlike most Eastern Bloc manufacturers, Tatra enjoyed modest sales success in Western Europe, where its truck line had a reputation for simplicity and durability. No effort was made to distribute Tatra's unusual automobiles in the West, though a small number did find their way to collectors in Western Europe, and even to the United States. The end of the Cold War did not help Tatra's fortunes, as the company made no inroads in Western Europe's already crowded automobile market. The introduction of competitors, such as Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot into the Czech Republic, further eroded Tatra's sales. Production of passenger cars ended in 1999.
Among Western collectors, Tatra automobiles remain largely unknown. The largest display of Tatra vehicles in the United States is at the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. The museum's eclectic automobile collection contains 12 Tatra models, including a T-613 ambulance. When talk show host and car collector Jay Leno visited the museum, the founder picked him up in a 1947 Tatra 87, prompting Leno to purchase one himself. Leno soon became an advocate for the brand. In the United States, the few Tatra clubs are closely associated with Citroën clubs, as many Tatra collectors also collect Citroën DS series cars[citation needed].
A Tatra 87 is on exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.[26]
Trucks
[edit]1898–1914 beginning
[edit]The first truck manufactured at Kopřivnice in 1898[27] was a flatbed[28] with two liquid-cooled side-by-side-mounted two-cylinder Benz engines each at 2.7 L capacity with total power output of 8.8 kW (12 hp) placed after the rear axle and cargo capacity of 2.5 ton. The unique feature of the engines setup was that the engines could be operated sequentially depending on the load requirements. No 1 engine was started via a cranking handle and had a flywheel attached and No 2 engine without the flywheel was connected via a gear clutch and started by the first engine already running.
The second truck manufactured was once again a flatbed R type of 2.5 ton cargo capacity built in 1909. Powered by liquid-cooled petrol four-cylinder engine of 4.1 L capacity and power output of 18.4 kW (25 hp) with the engine placed above front axle which is the conventional design to this day. The vehicle featured solid rubber tyres and semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension. In 1910 Tatra manufactured its first bus the Omnibus type SO with total production of five units.
1914–1922 serial production
[edit]The first true serial truck production at Tatra was instigated by the beginning of World War I. In the year 1914 there were only two trucks made, type T 14/40 HP; however by 1915's end the production jumped to a total of 105 TL-2 units, and the following year, 1916, the numbers rose to a total of 196 TL-2 and 30 TL-4. Production peaked in 1917 with 19 TL-2 and 303 TL-4 models, but then production declined, and a similar number of vehicles of one type manufactured in a year was not achieved or surpassed until 1936 with the T 27 model.
Technically models TL-2 and TL-4 were almost identically designed; in fact TL-4 evolved from TL-2 where both had liquid-cooled OHC engines of max power output of 25.7 kW (35 PS; 34 hp). The TL-2 had a GVM 2,100 kg (4,630 lb) and 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) GCM, TL-4 had 2,700 kg (5,952 lb) GVM and 6,700 kg (14,771 lb) GCM respectively. Both types remained in production in small series until 1927. The TL-4 is considered the first truck to come out of NW (Nesselsdorfer Wagen-bau) to carry the name Tatra in 1919.[29]
1923–1938 Tatra concept
[edit]After the introduction of Tatra 11 and Tatra 12 cars with their distinctive backbone tube design and swing axles, Tatra introduced its first truck on the same basis,[30] the light utility Tatra 13 powered by 2-cylinder air-cooled petrol engine with power output 8.8 kW (12 hp) and 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) cargo capacity. Further models followed, and in 1926, T23 and T24 were introduced, nicknamed "bulldogs", which could be considered Tatra's precursors to COE designed trucks. Improved version T13 was introduced as T26 with a more powerful 4-cylinder flat air-cooled engine and in six-wheeler chassis created capable offroad light utility truck which later evolved into T72 model which was heavily used by Czechoslovakian army at the time and was also manufactured under license by the French company Lorraine-Dietrich. In 1933 Tatra built a limited series of T25 heavy artillery hauler with 4 and 6-cylinder petrol engines. The most popular Tatra truck before World War II was type T27 powered by 4-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, which remained in production for nearly 17 years (1930–1947) with total production of 7,620 units.[31] By adding an extra axle to the rear the type T28 was created; however, it was not successful and only limited production resulted in a mainly bus chassis. In the period from 1931 to 1938 Tatra also built a small utility truck based on the chassis from T30 named Tatra T43 which remain popular with small business owners. T72 model successfully continued the line to T82 built mainly for military in cargo and personnel transport between 1935 and 1938 and further to T92 and T93 built for the Romanian army from 1938 to 1941 which were identical except T93 had also a driven front axle.[32]
1939–1956 World War II and beyond
[edit]Following the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia the production at Kopřivnice was annexed by the Germans for the supply of trucks needed by the Wehrmacht. Apart from the existing line up of T27, T92/92 a new heavy truck, the T81, commenced production featuring liquid-cooled 12.5 L V8 diesel engine with a power output of 118 kW (160 PS; 158 hp), in 6×4 axle configuration. This vehicle evolved in 1942 into the T111 which continued in production until 1962, with the total of 33,690 units made.[33] The T111 also featured Tatra's first air-cooled diesel engine, a massive V12 originally designed for the armoured Sd.Kfz. 234 Puma. In the latter stages of World War II Tatra was instrumental in the development of air-cooled diesel engines for German tanks. In late 1944 General Heinz Guderian ordered that production of the Type 38(t) Hetzer tank be modified to incorporate a Tatra Type 928 V-8 air-cooled diesel engine, though this order was delayed so production could continue uninterrupted. After the war the T111 contributed heavily to the rebuilding effort in Central and Eastern Europe and a memorial was built at Magadan, Siberia, for its exploits in the Far East of the USSR.[34]
1957–1982 moving forward
[edit]The decision to replace the reliable but ageing T111 was taken in 1952 based on central planning economy of socialist government where directive was made to Tatra N.P. that it should concentrate on the manufacture of 7 to 10 ton capacity commercial vehicles and in 1956 first T137 and T138 trucks were exhibited at the Czechoslovak machinery expo in Brno. Production of the T111 continued alongside the T138 series until 1962. The T138 itself continued in production until 1969 when it was replaced by the T148, which provided an increase in power output, reliability and product improvements.
In 1967 Tatra began production of the T813 off-road truck using its modular construction technology; the model incorporated the latest trends in commercial vehicle design such as cab-over-engine (COE) and wide profile tyres. It featured a new V12 engine and all military versions had a central tyre inflation/deflation system as standard equipment. The T813 was designed to tow loads up to 100 ton GCM and it was a familiar sight on the roads in Czechoslovakia hauling large, often over-sized loads.
1982–2008 T815 and beyond
[edit]The Tatra 815 was designed for extreme off-road conditions, and its road versions are derived from the off-road original. After the 53rd session of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, a directive was issued that Tatra N.P. would be the sole supplier of off-road commercial vehicles of <12 ton capacity for Eastern Bloc countries, leading to a modernization of the company and its production models. Following extensive testing at different sites, including Siberia, the type T815 was introduced in 1982 with production starting in 1983. The T815 was made of 142 main assembly components as opposed to the 219 main assembly components of its predecessor.[35] The engine's power output was increased by up to 45% and a new COE tiltable cabin was introduced. Modular engine designs resulted in offerings of V8, V10 or V12 engines with or without turbocharger.
T815 was upgraded to T815-2 with minor cosmetic changes and improved ergonomics and safety – the biggest change was the engine emissions accordance with the "Euro0" limits and to Euro I limits in 1993 (turbocharged V8 engine only since this time for the full legislation; the Deutz 513 air-cooled V8 engine was offered as an alternative). The TerrNo1, introduced in 1997,[36] featured a redesigned cabin as well as better sound and heat insulation than the previous models. The TerrNo1 was based on the same frame as the previous models, so its cabin could be retrofitted to all type T815s built since 1993.[37] In 2000, the TerrNo1 cabin was again redesigned, and for the first time there was an option to fit liquid-cooled engines.
The TerrNo1 model introduced the 'KingFrame rear axle suspension setup. Another step in evolution for the T3B engine came with the Euro II emission limits. Following further improvements in 2003, the T815 had the new Euro III T3C V8 engine mated to all new 14-speed range+split gearbox as well as an option for engines from other suppliers such as Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Deutz and MTU to be fitted. In September 2006, Tatra introduced its Euro IV compliant turbocharged T3D engine with the SCR exhaust technology and in February 2008 the company introduced the world's first Euro V-compliant air-cooled diesel engine based on the T3D engine.[38]
The T816 (T815-6) Armax[39] and Force[40] series, derivatives of Tatra 815, were introduced in 1993 after Tatra participated in the tender process to supply heavy duty off-road trucks to the UAE armed forces. After two years of bidding, the company secured a contract worth $180 million.[41]
The resulting model became known as T816 "LIWA" (Arabic for "desert").[42] The latest model intended for military customers is the T817 (T815-7),[43][44] marketed primarily toward the armed services of NATO member countries as a high-mobility heavy-duty tactical truck with a low profile cabin for C-130 Hercules transportability.
During the 1990s, Tatra decided to produce a bonneted CBE heavy duty off-road truck to continue the successful line started with the T111. This resulted in the T163 Jamal, which was put into full production in 1999[45] after the first prototypes were built in 1997 and following extensive testing. The T163 was purpose-built to be a heavy duty dump truck due to demand, and was based on Tatra's signature backbone tube chassis construction with its cabin being designed by Jiří Španihel.[46] The truck is used mainly on construction sites and in quarries.
Tatra was also a successful bidder for the Czech Army replacement of aging Praga V3S (with the Tatra I6 air-cooled engine – one half of the T111 V12 one) medium off-road truck with T810 which technically is not a "genuine" Tatra as its origin goes back to when former Czech company ROSS, in partnership with Renault Trucks, obtained a contract to supply the army with medium size off-road trucks, the "ROSS R210 6×6". The company however went bankrupt in 1998 and Tatra bought full rights to the design, then modernized and reintroduced it as T810 while continuing cooperation with Renault.[47] Under the deal Renault supplies the cabins and the engines and Praga supplied axles and transmissions for the prototypes; however, the whole project has been dogged by controversy due to the way Tatra had obtained the contract, its relationship with supplier Praga and the subsequent court case brought against it by Praga.[48]
The serial T810 vehicles are equipped with the new design Tatra rigid axles with the WABCO disc brakes, with the ZF Ecolite transmission and Steyr drop box.
Navistar and Tatra
[edit]Tatra and Navistar Defence introduced at Eurosatory Exposition in Paris, France (Jun 14–18 2010), the results of their strategic alliance since October 2009, the models ATX6 (universal container carrier) and ATX8 (troop carrier).[49] The vehicles appear to be based on Tatra 815-7 (T817) 6×6, 8×8 chassis,[50] suspension and cabins while using Navistar engines and other components.[51] Under the deal Navistar Defence and Tatra A.S. will market the vehicles in North America, which includes sales to the United States military and foreign military sales financed by the United States government. Tatra will source parts and components through Navistar's global parts and support network for Tatra trucks delivered in markets outside of North America as well as market Navistar-Tatra vehicles around the world in their primary markets.[citation needed]
Ownership
[edit]The Terex Corporation, an American company, acquired the majority ownership (71%) of Tatra in late 2003.[52] As of late 2006, however, majority ownership (80.51%) was in the hands of Tatra Holdings s.r.o., an international consortium comprising Vectra Limited of UK, Sam Eyde of the U.S., KBC Private Equity of Belgium, Meadowhill s.r.o. of Czech Republic and Ronald Adams of the U.S. On 15 December 2006, a contract was signed between Tatra and the Czech Republic for 556 trucks at roughly $130 million, or 2.6 billion Czech crowns. This contract was signed in lieu of replacement of older military vehicles.
In April 2007, Tatra announced that it had already matched its production in 2006 and produced 1,600 vehicles. In 2007, Tatra planned to produce between 2,300 and 2,500 vehicles. In contrast to previous years, Tatra has increased employment by the hundreds within the past two quarters, has reversed previous errors, and was growing again.[citation needed]
In August 2011, DAF Trucks announced it had built up a 19% stake in Tatra to tighten up cooperation between the companies. DAF's cabs and Paccar engines became mainstay of the civilian Tatra 158 Phoenix, while DAF dealerships started selling Tatra trucks.[53]
In early 2013, Tatra was facing mounting financial problems. Even though the company had sufficient orders for new trucks, manufacturing was halted as banks refused to provide further loans and company was facing imminent bankruptcy. In March 2013, majority stake in Tatra was acquired by major Czech defense contractor Czechoslovak Group and Czech metallurgy company Promet Group, which provided company with necessary financial stability. With new owners, Tatra focused its production primarily towards building specialist vehicles tailored to buyers' custom orders. While in 2013 sales amounted to 722 units, in 2023 the company plans to sell over 2,000 trucks, with future increases in sales requiring enlarging of manufacturing capacity.[54]
Current models
[edit]Tatra mostly supplies individual, highly specialized custom-made vehicles and also sells just the backbone chassis for use in other manufacturer's trucks or specialized vehicles.[55] The current serial production models are:
- Tatra 810 Tactic – medium off-road truck based on conventional frame, portal axles and equipped with Renault water-cooled engine and cabin. Primarily intended for military operators, also offered on civilian market.
- Tatra 817 Force – heavy off-road truck based on Tatra backbone chassis, Tatra air-cooled engines (other engines also possible) and Tatra cabin. Primarily intended for military operators, also offered on civilian market.
- Tatra 158 Phoenix – heavy off-road truck based on Tatra backbone chassis and equipped with DAF cabin and ZF water-cooled engines. Primarily intended for civilian operators, also offered on military market.
Worldwide distribution
[edit]Germany
[edit]Several fire brigades and civil protection (THW) mostly in eastern Germany are traditionally using Tatra trucks. Tatra's own conversion company THT build vehicles for fire brigades and civil protection. Popular in Germany is a large Water tender and pumper based on the Tatra 815.[citation needed] The vehicle's water tank has a volume of 4,000 liters or more and a separate tank for foam agent. The 4×4 transmission and a gear wading depth of 1.20m make it suitable for rough terrain. In German use the vehicle is called "TLF4000" (Tanklöschfahrzeug 4000) and is primarily used at airports and to fight forest fires.[56]
In 2021 the Bundeswehr fire brigade ordered 76 Tatra firefighting vehicles to fight forest fires (ordered by BwFuhrparkService GmbH). They are based upon the Tatra T 815-7 4×4 chassis, with equipment by Austrian Rosenbauer Group.[57]
India
[edit]Tatra had a truck-building joint venture in India called Tatra Vectra Motors Ltd, formerly called Tatra Trucks India Ltd. It is a joint venture between Tatra and the Vectra Group from England.[58] In 2002, the company received a 1,070 trucks order from the Government of India.[59] Tatra's growing involvement in India's defense industry has been cited as an example of growing relations between Czech Republic and India.[60]
In 2009, Vectra announced a new joint venture with Russia's Kamaz to form Kamaz Vectra Motors Limited to manufacture Kamaz trucks in India.[61][62] This joint venture replaced the former Tatra Vectra venture.[61] The manufacturing plant is located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The fully integrated manufacturing facility includes an engine assembly and testing plant, a cabin welding shop, a frame fabrication shop and a test track. Most Tatra trucks for sale in India are manufactured in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).[63]
Tatra was part of a 2012 investigation in what has been described a "procurement scam" involving former BEML chief VRS Natarajan.[64]
-
Tatra Recovery Vehicle of the Indian Army
-
A Tatra Truck at India Gate, New Delhi on India Republic Day on 26 January
-
Indian Army Tatra truck carrying BM-30 Smerch rocket
Israel
[edit]Reportedly following one of the Israeli-Arab conflicts, Israel tested some Tatras captured from the Egyptian armed forces. The Israel Defense Forces' command was apparently quite impressed with their performance, independent air cooling, and their capabilities as military trucks in long-range raiding operations in desert terrain, and became interested in including these trucks in their arsenal. As direct purchase from Czechoslovakia was impossible due to its alignment with Israeli foes, the lore has it that Israelis used the well-paid services of Nicolae Ceauşescu-led Romania, in cooperation with an American Company called ATC (American Truck Company) to purchase military trucks, including desert-equipped Tatras, leading to jokes that "Romania has a new desert". Current photos of various Israeli weapon systems, including SPYDER slated for India, show new Tatras as the carrier vehicles.[citation needed]
A number of Tatra trucks entered service in the Israeli Army's various sectors, with the brand mark of "American Truck Company", under which Tatras were sold from the U.S. market and exported to Israel.
United States
[edit]American Truck Company was a quasi-independent company set up by Terex, when they controlled Tatra, to import Tatra vehicles in both knock down kits or fully built and carry out assembly operations, repair and service, body building on chassis in the United States.[65][66] These trucks were offered to the military and other government organizations and were badged and sold in the United States under the ATC brand.[66] ATC badged Tatras were fitted with American Cummins turbodiesel engines in place of the Tatra's air-cooled diesel.[66]
Tatra aircraft
[edit]The Ringhoffer-Tatra Works Ltd. produced several aircraft and aero-engines in the 1930s and 1940s before annexation by Germany, and after under the orders of the RLM. Among the aircraft produced were the following:[67]-
Built under licence
[edit]- Tatra T.126 (Avro 626 Avian)
- Tatra T.131 (Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann)
Tatra designed and built
[edit]Historic models
[edit]Passenger cars
[edit]Before the company was renamed to Tatra
[edit]- NW Präsident (1897)
- NW Präsident II (1898)
- NW Elektromobil (1900)
- NW A (1900-1902)
- NW B (1902-1904)
- NW C (1902-1905)
- NW D (1902-1905)
- NW E (1904-1906)
- NW F (1906)
- NW J (1906-1911)
- NW L (1906-1911)
- NW S (1906-1911)
- NW T (1914-1919)
- NW U (1915-1919)
After the name Tatra was adopted
[edit]- Tatra 10 (1919-1927, renamed from NW U)
- Tatra 11 (1923-1926)
- Tatra 12 (1926-1934)
- Tatra 17 (1925-1929)
- Tatra 20 (1919-1926, renamed from NW T)
- Tatra 30 (1926-1931)
- Tatra 31 (1928-1930, based on the T17)
- Tatra 52 (1931-1939)
- Tatra 54 (1931-1934)
- Tatra 57 (1931-1948)
- Tatra 70 (1931-1936)
- Tatra 75 (1934-1942)
- Tatra 77 (1934-1938)
- Tatra 80 (1930-1937, based on the T70)
- Tatra 87 (1937-1950)
- Tatra 97 (1937-1939)
- Tatra 107 (1946; initial designation for the T600)
- Tatra 600 Tatraplan (1948-1952)
- Tatra 603 (1956-1975)
- Tatra 613 (1974-1996)
- Tatra 623 (1980-1998)
- Tatra 700 (1996-1999)
Trucks
[edit]- NW First Truck (1898)
- NW O (1907-1909)
- NW R (1908)
- NW K (1909-1911)
- NW M (1909-1911)
- NW SO (1910-1914)
- NW TL-2 (1915-1924)
- NW TL-4 (1916-1924)
- NW TO (1920-1928)
- Tatra 13 (1925-1933)
- Tatra 22 (1934-1935, derived from the T27)
- Tatra 23 (1927-1933, first Tatra truck with a backbone frame)
- Tatra 24 (1929-1939, three-axle version of T23)
- Tatra 25 (1928, 1933-1934)
- Tatra 26 (1926-1933)
- Tatra 27 (1930-1947)
- Tatra 28 (1932, three-axle version of T27)
- Tatra 43 (1929-1938)
- Tatra 49 (1929-1930)
- Tatra 72 (1933-1937)
- Tatra 74
- Tatra 79
- Tatra 81 (1939-1942, predecessor of T111)
- Tatra 82 (1935-1937)
- Tatra 85 (1936-1941)
- Tatra 92 (1938-1940, developed from T82)
- Tatra 93 (1937-1941)
- Tatra 111 (1942-1962)
- Tatra 114 (1947-1948, developed from the T27)
- Tatra 115 (1948-1949, T114 development)
- Tatra 128 (1951-1952, T111 derivative)
- Tatra 138 (1959-1971)
- OT-64 SKOT Tatra engine powered 8×8 armored personnel carrier
- Tatra 141 (1957-1970, tractor-trailer version of T111)
- Tatra 147 (1957-1961, shortened version of T111)
- Tatra 148 (1972-1982, improved T138)
- Tatra 158 Phoenix (2011–present)
- Tatra 163 Jamal (1999-2014)
- Tatra 805 (1953-1960)
- Tatra 809 (1953)
- Tatra 810 ANTS (2008–present)
- Tatra 813 (1967-1982)
- Tatra 815, 815-2 and TerrNo1 (1983–present)
- Tatra 816 (1996–present)
- Tatra 817 (2008–present, developed from the T815)
Buses
[edit]- Tatra 500 HB (1950–1957)
Trolleybuses
[edit]Prototypes and racing cars
[edit]- NW Rennzweier (1900)
- NW Second Truck (1909)
- NW T14/40 (1914)
- Tatra 12 Targa Florio (1925)
- Tatra 30 Sport (1926)
- Tatra 34 (prototype armored car based on T31)
- Tatra 84 (1935, first all-wheel-drive Tatra)
- Tatra 90 (1935)
- Tatra 112
- Tatra 113
- Tatra 116/117/120 (1948)
- Tatra 118/119/122 (1948)
- Tatra 130 (1951, three-axle version of T128)
- Tatra 131 (1951, T128 with dual rear wheels)
- Tatra 137 (1956, two-axle version of T138, produced as the T138 4x4)
- Tatra 157 (1972; intended to replace the T148 but became the T815)
- Tatra 162 (1987)
- Tatra 163 Jamal Evo (2003)
- Tatra 201 (1947)
- Tatra 600 Diesel (1952)
- Tatra 601 Convertible (1951)
- Tatra 601 Monte Carlo (1949)
- Tatra 602 Tatraplan Sport (1949)
- Tatra 603 A (1964)
- Tatra 603 B5 (1966)
- Tatra 603 B6 (1967)
- Tatra 603 MB (1961)
- Tatra 603 Monte Carlo
- Tatra 603 X (1966)
- Tatra 604 (1954)
- Tatra 605 (1957)
- Tatra 607 Monopost (1950-1954)
- Tatra 607-2 (1954-1958)
- Tatra 801 (1949)
- Tatra 803 (1950)
- Tatra 804 (1951, lightweight T803)
- Tatra 806 (1951, based on T803)
- Tatra Baghira (1973)
- Tatra Delfín (1963)
- Tatra JK 2500 (1956)
- Tatra T-III (1936 prototype tank)
- Tatra Prezident (1994)
- MTX Tatra V8 (1991)
- Tatra V570 (1931)
- Tatra V740 (1937)
- Tatra V750 (1935)
- Tatra V799 (1938)
- Tatra V809 (1940)
- Tatra V855 (1942)
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ After Benz & Cie. and Peugeot
References
[edit]- ^ "About the Company". Tatratrucks.
- ^ Margolius, Ivan & Henry, John G. (2015). Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka. Dorchester: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 978-1-845847-99-9.
- ^ "Navštívili jsme společnosti Tatra Trucks a Tatra Defence Vehicle".
- ^ "First long-distance journey in Tatra car 125 years ago". Radio Prague International. 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ Wise, David Burgess. "Rumpler: One Aeroplane which Never Flew", in Northey, Tom, ed. World of Automobiles (London: Orbis, 1974), Vol. 17, p.1964.
- ^ "NW Präsident - Jak to všechno začalo". AutoZine.cz (in Czech). 2015-03-01.
- ^ a b "Hans Ledwinka :: Tatratrucks.com". www.tatratrucks.com.
- ^ G.N. Georgano Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930. (London: Grange-Universal, 1985)
- ^ a b c d Margolius, Ivan & Henry, John G. (1990). Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka. Harrow: SAF. ISBN 0-946719-06-3.
- ^ G.N. Georgano.
- ^ "Cars & history: Tatra T77 & T77A (1933–1938)". Tatra. NL: Demon. Archived from the original on 2006-10-12. Retrieved 2018-08-21.
- ^ Ross, Robert (2023-01-23). "Car of the Week: The 1934 Tatra T77 Is a Czech Wonder. Now a Fully Restored Model Is up for Grabs". Robb Report. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ Bohumír Mimra, 'Vývojové směry moderního automobilismu', SIA 1936, Technická práce na Ostravsku 1926 – 1936, Moravská Ostrava 1936, p. 593.
- ^ "The Remarkably Futuristic Tatra T77 From 1934". Silodrome. 2023-03-03. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ a b c d e f Willson, Quentin The Ultimate Classic Car Book. New Your, New York: DK Publishing Inc., 1995. ISBN 0-7894-0159-2. Pages 214-215
- ^ a b Car Wars, Jonathan Mantle, Arcade Publishing, 1997
- ^ "Brief History of Tatra". UKCAR. Retrieved 2011-01-27.
- ^ Schmarbeck, Wolfgang (1997). Hans Ledwinka: Seine Autos - Sein Leben (in German). Graz: H. Weishaupt Verlag. p. 174. ISBN 3-900310-56-4.
- ^ McHUGH, DAVID (2019-07-09). "From Nazis to hippies: End of the road for Volkswagen Beetle". AP NEWS. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
- ^ "1961 Corvair/Rear-engine cars". Time. 2007-09-07. Archived from the original on 2007-10-15. Retrieved 2008-06-10.
- ^ Anderson, Brad (2023-02-01). "The Tatra 603-2 Is A Premium Sedan That You've Never Heard Of". Carscoops. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ "Tatra.cz" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-10-29.
- ^ "Prague Post". Prague Post. Retrieved 2018-12-26.
- ^ "Tatra plans to renew production of its legendary models". Radio Prague International. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
- ^ "Tatra 903 Fuel Cell Concept - Carscoops". Carscoops. 2008-07-01. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ "Tatra T87 four-door sedan". Retrieved 2018-12-26.
- ^ "Tatra history milestones". Archived from the original on 2010-08-19.
- ^ Prospector, Gold (2008-04-27). "Picture of replica first Tatra truck". Flickr.com. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
- ^ Moderní užitkové automobily Tatra kolektiv vývojove konstrukce N.P. Tatra Kopřivnice 1979 Naše Vojsko Praha, 1. vydání Modern Utility Automobiles Tatra by design team of N.P. Tatra Kopřivnice, 1979, Naśe Vojsko, Prague, 1st edition
- ^ "Tatra swings into action 78 years on". Archived from the original on 2009-09-25.
- ^ "Tatra 27 vehicle description. Retrieved 2008-11-29". Tatraportal.sk. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
- ^ "Tatra 92 technical specifications. Retrieved 2008-11-29". Tatraportal.sk. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
- ^ "Tatra 111 specifications. Retrieved 2008-11-29". Tatraportal.sk. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
- ^ Tatratech.wz.cz Archived 2011-07-18 at the Wayback Machine Tatra 111 history, (in Czech) Retrieved 2008-11-29
- ^ The Automobil revue, issue 10'82, the technical monthly of the Czechoslovak Federal Ministry of General Engineering, current ISSN 1211-9555
- ^ "Tatra 815 description" (in Czech). Archived from the original on 2010-06-05. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "TerrNo1 cabin" (in Czech). Archived from the original on 2010-06-05. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Tatra On Air the only aircooled Euro V engine in the world" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-10-29. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Tatra Armax" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-10-09. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Tatra Force" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-10-09. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "T816 history" (in Czech). Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Tatra military specials T816". Archived from the original on 2008-08-22. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Tatra military trucks". Archived from the original on 2008-08-22. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Tatra 817" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-11-07. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Tatra 163 Jamal" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-10-09. Retrieved 2008-11-19.
- ^ "Jiří Španihel". Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Tatra T810". Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Praga loses its court bid against Tatra". Archived from the original on 2009-02-15. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ "Navistar, Tatra unveil two tactical vehicles at Eurosatory". Archived from the original on 2010-12-18. Retrieved 2010-06-27.
- ^ "Navistar-Tatra-ATX8-8×8-truck-system". Retrieved 2010-06-27.
- ^ "Navistar Defense and Tatra's ATX6 at Eurosatory". Archived from the original on 2010-09-16. Retrieved 2010-06-27.
- ^ Terex sells its 80 percent share of Tatra. here [1] and Here [2].
- ^ "DAF Trucks grabs 19% stake in TATRA and supplies engines and cabs for new range! Biglorryblog has the story..." 2011-08-03. Archived from the original on 2011-08-28. Retrieved 2011-08-03.
- ^ "Tatry teď stíháme vyrábět jen taktak, říká šéf výzkumu a vývoje automobilky". 2023-03-15.
- ^ "České výrobce užitkových vozidel láká západní Evropa". E15.cz (in Czech). 2017-11-20.
- ^ Löb, Rico (2017-05-04). "FFW Großschönau: TLF 4000 auf Tatra 815-7". Blaulicht-Magazin.net (in German). Retrieved 2022-07-28.
- ^ "Fahrzeugbeschaffungen – Erste Auftragserteilung durch BwFuhrparkService GmbH" (in German). 2021-08-23. Retrieved 2022-07-28.
- ^ "Introduction to Tatra Vectra Motors Limited". Tatraindia.com. Archived from the original on 2011-10-04. Retrieved 2011-01-24.
- ^ "SDC Announces Large Indian Order for its Tatra Truck Unit; Tatra Backlog Up Significantly Over Last Year. (09-MAY-02) Business Wire". Accessmylibrary.com. 2002-05-09. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "The Czechs' Indian Gambit". Global Politician. 2003-01-06. Archived from the original on 2009-02-15. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ a b "Vectra Group - Group Companies - Kamaz Vectra Motors Ltd". Archived from the original on 2011-11-21. Retrieved 2011-10-13.
- ^ "MACHINIST". machinist.in. Retrieved 2018-12-26.
- ^ CBW.cz Archived February 18, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Pioneer, The. "Tatra truck scam: CBI gears up to finalise chargesheet". The Pioneer. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: DanieruShidebuteru (2010-11-21). "Military Vehicles [Czech/USA]: ATC 6x6 14-Tonne Tactical Truck (Tatra/Terex)". Retrieved 2018-12-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c "ATC 6x6 Heavy Utility Truck - Military-Today.com". www.military-today.com. Retrieved 2018-12-26.
- ^ * Grey, C.G. & Bridgman, Leonard. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. Sampson Low, Marston & company, ltd.. London. 1938
- ^ a b c Murray, Alan (2000). World Trolleybus Encyclopaedia. Yateley, Hampshire, UK: Trolleybooks. pp. 99, 148. ISBN 0-904235-18-1.
Sources
[edit]- Tatra company profile, Retrieved 2008-11-29
- Present Tatra military trucks (T810, T815, T816, T817)
- Tatra history at Tatra World
- Grey, C.G. & Bridgman, Leonard. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. Sampson Low, Marston & company, ltd.. London. 1938
- Willson, Quentin The Ultimate Classic Car Book. New Your, New York: DK Publishing Inc., 1995. ISBN 0-7894-0159-2. Pages 214-215
Further reading
[edit]- Margolius, Ivan & Henry, John G. (1990). Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka. Harrow: SAF. ISBN 0-946719-06-3.
- Margolius, Ivan & Henry, John G. (2015). Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka, new edition. Dorchester: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 978-1-845847-99-9.
- Tatra Automobiles - Luxury Cars from Koprivnice 1920–1940 by Miroslav Gomola, AGM publisher Czech republic
- List of Literature and Magazines articles related to Tatra
External links
[edit]- Tatra Official site
- TATRA GERMANY
- Tatra India
- Tatra and Tatraplan cars site
- Tatra Cars Services
- International Streamlined Tatra Site
- Tatra Aircraft History (in Czech)
- Tatra Museum
- "Tatra’s Long Twilight Is Explored at a Tennessee Museum" at NY Times, July 20, 2011
- the unofficial Tatra Automobile pages - history and pictures (English)
- the unofficial Tatra Truck History pages - history and pictures (English)
- Tatra (company)
- Czech brands
- Rear-engined vehicles
- Luxury motor vehicle manufacturers
- Motor vehicle manufacturers of Czechoslovakia
- Aircraft manufacturers of the Czech Republic and Czechoslovakia
- Aircraft engine manufacturers of the Czech Republic
- Truck manufacturers of the Czech Republic
- Trolleybus manufacturers
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1850
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1897
- Defence companies of the Czech Republic
- Bus manufacturers of the Czech Republic
- Diesel engine manufacturers
- 1897 establishments in Austria-Hungary