Today marks a historic day for the Chinese truck designer Tiger as its first off-road vehicle, Champ, rolls off the assembly line in the city of Poteau, Oklahoma. Tiger is the first Chinese manufacturer to produce vehicles "made in America."

Tiger founder and CEO  Mike Ward drove the first Champ off the assembly line and presented it to the city's mayor, stating, "This is a token of thanks for the considerable support you, the town, and Oklahoma have given Tiger Truck and our employees as we have worked diligently to complete this world-class facility. Tiger Truck is pleased to present this electric Tiger Champ, the first built in America, to the world-class City of Poteau with our appreciation!"

The Champ is the ½-ton truck with a ½-ton payload starting at $12,995 with an estimated 37 mpg. The production plant for Tiger will have the capacity to produce 35 vehicles per day. The Champ series trucks are available with a choice of EFI gasoline, Caterpillar diesel, E-85 flex-fuel or electric motor (48V or 72V) -- all approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Mike Ward says, "While Chana (Chongqing ChangAn Automobile *** Ltd.) designs and builds advanced, efficient, and durable vehicles worldwide, understanding and satisfying the particularly discriminating nature of the U.S. consumer has been entrusted to the 100-percent U.S.-owned Tiger Truck. We will now control the quality of fit and finish here in Oklahoma in addition to being more responsive to configuration requirements of customers with immediate needs."

It's also one of the first vehicles painted with the most environmentally friendly e-coat line in operation today from PPG that includes eliminating one of the phosphate dip-stages.

Ward also says, "We are particularly grateful to our exceptional network of Tiger dealers who have remained stalwart during our challenging transition to U.S. manufacturing. They will soon be rewarded by the ready supply of unequalled products to meet the growing needs for fuel-efficient vehicles in their local markets."


Source: Tiger Truck Manufacturing, LLC