Maker rides over critics of faults in expensive new Army vehicles

By KEVIN TAYLOR

The maker of the Army's expensive new armoured vehicle has hit back at criticism of its reliability.

General Dynamics Land Systems Canada said New Zealand would be well served by the LAV III, the first batch of which have been hit by mechanical faults.

Breakdowns have included a turbo unit, a heater and an auxiliary power unit. One vehicle was out of action from October 24 until mid-December after breaking an axle.

Defence Minister Mark Burton said the faults were minor and to be expected for a new and complex vehicle. The Government is spending $672 million to buy 105 vehicles.

General Dynamics had accepted liability for all faults except the broken axle. Company spokesman Ken Yamashita said he agreed with Mr Burton. During acceptance testing the odd fault would surface.

"The faults that are listed are all minor in nature and are all easily repairable."

He said the company had been making the LAV for over 25 years and 18 countries had ordered more than 8000.

"More importantly, our vehicles have been extensively deployed in both combat operations and in dangerous peacekeeping operations around the world."

NZ First MP Ron Mark said if his party came to power he would seek to cancel the remainder of the deliveries if the contract allowed.

He knew of reports pointing to problems with the suspension of the 21-tonne vehicle, and the number of tyres they chewed through.