The engine of a four-seater T-Mag XXC mini-truck is under the driver and passenger seats. The low-speed vehicle helps cut down on fuel emissions and cost. (Natasha Lee/S&S)
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — Kadena Air Base is swapping a number of its standard-size utility vehicles for a new fleet of fuel-efficient, low-speed mini-trucks and vans.
The move is part of a Pacific Air Forces goal to convert at least 50 percent of its overall general purpose vehicle fleet to low-speed vehicles by fiscal year 2010, said Air Force Capt. Rod Dunmore, 18th Logistic Readiness Squadron operations officer.
The new vehicles are similar to the Japanese-style flatbed trucks often seen around town. The American vehicles, made by California-based Mag International Inc., will not exceed 25 mph.
Kadena received 49 T-Mag model trucks and vans, said Air Force Tech Sgt. Jeff Theall, the squadron’s noncommissioned officer in charge for the general-purpose vehicle management flight.
So far, about 16 new vehicles have been delivered to several units, including the 18th Munitions Squadron and 18th Component Maintenance Squadron, Theall said. Older vehicles are being replaced first.
The rest of the new minis are undergoing treatment to prevent rust and corrosion, Theall said.
According to a company press release, Mag International was awarded a $7 million contract early last year to deliver low-speed vehicles to more than 60 Air Force and Air National Guard bases worldwide.
The vehicles are expected to reduce fuel expenses and are considered more cost effective than the Ford and Chevrolet panel vans and pickup trucks they’re replacing, said Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Boyles, superintendent of the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s general-purpose vehicle management flight.
For example, a 2008 Ford Ranger pickup uses an average of $635 in gas a year, according to estimates provided by Dunmore. In comparison, a low-speed vehicle averages about $417.
"A V-8 engine versus a four-cylinder, you’re going to save a lot of money," Boyles said.
One such model, the T-Mag XXC four-seat mini-truck, can hold up to 9.5 gallons of gas and averages 35 to 40 miles per gallon, according to Mag International.
The new vehicles are limited to on-base use and will be primarily used for short trips, Boyles said.
