2022 an Important Year for Deliveries, Production and Development
Tatra Trucks produced more vehicles in 2022 – 1,326 – than the year before, and exceeded its sales expectations by 10%, achieving sales revenues of CZK7.12 billion (US$328 million), the company announced on 2 February.
The Czech truck-maker also began development of a new generation of core model lines and alternative propulsion systems, which will have fundamental impact on future production. As production volume gradually increases, Tatra Trucks plans for a further increase in 2023, reaching record numbers in its recent history.
Although the majority of trucks delivered in 2022 were for the various civil markets the company delivered, the majority of production was focused on vehicles for the military, fuelled largely by the international security environment and the requirements of the Czech Army. “The last few years have been successful for our company, and we want to continue this in 2023. Last year, we worked on a number of orders, the largest of which were in the defence and rescue sector. These were mainly logistics vehicles for the transport of goods and people for the Czech and Belgian armies, but also, for example, firefighting vehicles for the German market,” explained Pavel Lazar, CEO and Chairman of Tatra Trucks.
In partnership with DAF Trucks and Tatra Defense Vehicle (TDV), the company began deliveries last year against an order for almost 900 logistics vehicles for the Belgian Army, placed a year earlier. The order represents a breakthrough project for both Tatra Trucks and TDV, as it is the first time that they have established themselves on so large a scale with a Western European NATO member, where there is strong competition from local manufacturers.
In the second half of the year, the Czech MoD placed a significant order for almost 300 trucks as an urgent requirement, driven by international events. “We were able to respond very flexibly to the Ministry’s requirements and, by the end of 2022, we delivered two hundred trucks in accordance with contracts. The fulfilment of contracts continues this year; we will deliver dozens more Tatra trucks to the army, as well as next year,” explained Petr Hendrych, Sales Director and Vice Chairman.
Orders for firefighting trucks for Germany also marked an important penetration of Western European markets. The state of Brandenburg received 46 Tatra firefighting vehicles (with superstructures from Czech manufacturer THT Polička) last year, while production was begun (in collaboration with Rosenbauer) on 77 firefighting trucks for the Bundeswehr. In addition, the company produced the first vehicles for the Czech Army’s new mobile 3D MADR radar systems, as well as for the STARKOM electronic warfare systems, intended for the Czech Army’s Titus armoured vehicles.
Seminal events during 2022 included the production of the 10,000th truck since the company was taken over by the current owners in 2013, and the opening of a new service and training centre in Kopřivnice in September, significantly improving quality of service for Tatra Trucks’ customers and business partners.
The company has not lost sight of the future, however. Last year, for example, it launched a project to develop a truck with hydrogen fuel cells. “We are working with several of our partners on the project, while last year we prepared the concept of the truck and this year we are building a prototype. It should be ready for the installation of fuel cells in the middle of this year,” said Radomír Smolka, Director of R&D. “We are also working on a hybrid truck with a Tatra engine and a generator or on a battery vehicle with an internal combustion engine as a range extender, and in cooperation with the Czech Technical University also on a Tatra engine burning hydrogen”. The standard models also continue to be developed, with tests starting in 2022 on prototypes of the new generation of the Tatra Force model line and work continuing on development of the Tatra Phoenix model: both lines could enter series production in 2024/2025.
In a somewhat unstable environment caused by the conflict in Ukraine, Tatra still managed to overcome difficulties in spiralling energy prices and materials, and succeeded in recruiting over 500 more employees and launching its environmental, social and governance (ESG) project, boosting its capability to manage the company within the framework of sustainability and responsibility towards the environment and society. “The recognition of this project is the inclusion of our company among the TOP 10 Czech companies within the framework of the ESG Rating compiled by the Association of Social Responsibility. Our company won two more social awards in November 2022. They also reflect our social commitment and interest in our surroundings, as well as care for the historical heritage associated with our more than 170-year existence,” explained Marketing Director Kamil Košťál.
