Africar PT2- A CAR FOR AFRICA - and for the ordinary road. Part 2 - The French Connection

The Evolution of Vehicles for Africa

The Need for Suitable Vehicles in Africa

• Africa's vast size compared to Western Europe highlights the scarcity of paved roads and public transport, making vehicles essential rather than luxuries.

• Despite over 200 years of motorized transport, few vehicle models have been developed specifically for African conditions.

Prototypes Designed for African Conditions

• Three prototypes—wagon, pickup, and six-wheeler—are undergoing a critical 30,000-kilometer proving journey from Sweden to East Africa.

• The crew faces challenges traveling without backup vehicles on this extensive journey.

Historical Context of Vehicle Development

• The first automobile was built in 1771 by Nicolas Cugnot in Paris as a military tractor; it featured innovative design elements like a boiler and two cylinders.

• A later model, the Panhard from 1898, established the classic car form that influenced designs for decades.

Rise of the American Automobile Industry

• By 1900, France had the largest car industry globally; however, America took over with the introduction of the Model T Ford in 1906.

• The Model T became a versatile vehicle with various body types and sold over 15 million units between 1907 and 1927.

Innovations in European Car Manufacturing

• In response to improved American roads, Henry Ford shifted away from multi-purpose vehicles by 1927.

• André Citroën introduced practical cars with features like electric starters that appealed to new markets including women.

Challenges Faced by Early Manufacturers

• Citroën struggled with mass production techniques that were not viable due to market absorption issues post-financial crash of 1929.

The Evolution of Citroën Vehicles

Historical Context and Innovations

• Citroën's reliability and air cooling innovations date back to the mid-1930s, with over 300 million copies sold compared to less than 100 million VW Beetle designs.

• The launch of the Díaz (or Deus) model introduced unprecedented design features, including active hydraulic suspension and variable ground clearance, setting a new standard in automotive engineering.

• Jim Radix, a crew member of the Díaz Citroën, highlighted its exceptional comfort and performance on rough terrains during long-distance events.

Performance in Challenging Conditions

• The Díaz Citroën won the 1974 London-Sahara-Munich World Cup Rally by over 28 hours, showcasing its capability on consistently rough roads.

• With 80% of global roads being unpaved, there was a pressing need for vehicles that could handle such conditions effectively.

Technological Advancements

• The K Grass half tracks were pivotal in achieving the first motorized crossing of the Sahara from 1922 to 1923, demonstrating early innovations in vehicle design for extreme environments.

• Air-cooled engines provided better heat exchange under desert conditions compared to water-cooled engines due to their higher temperature differentials.

Design Philosophy: The Two CV

• Between 1934 and 1936, Citroën developed the Two CV with an innovative design brief aimed at carrying four adults without damaging fragile cargo like eggs.

• Despite interruptions from WWII, the Two CV launched in 1949 became an inspiration for future dynamic solutions in vehicle design.

Suspension Engineering Insights

• The Two CV's suspension system allowed significant vertical wheel movement while maintaining directional stability on uneven surfaces.

• Engineers recognized that conventional shock absorbers would not suffice for prolonged use on challenging African terrains; specialized systems were necessary for durability and performance.

Challenges of Off-Road Driving

• Continuous driving on rugged terrain requires vehicles designed specifically for traction and stability over long distances—conditions often overlooked by conventional vehicle designs.

• Understanding third-world driving conditions is crucial; vehicles must be capable of handling steep climbs on muddy paths without losing traction or control.

Conclusion: Designing for Unpaved Roads

• A successful off-road vehicle must straddle ruts left by trucks while providing ample ground clearance—conventional four-wheel drives often fall short in this regard.

Designing the Africa Vehicle

Initial Design Considerations

• The vehicle features a low sloping bonnet, but its high and wide structure results in significant weight and frontal area, leading to increased wind resistance and lower fuel economy.

• A decision was made to construct the chassis using plywood and epoxy resin, a method borrowed from racing boats for its lightweight yet strong properties suitable for corrosive environments.

Construction Techniques

• Sealing wood with epoxy allows the use of softwood as a renewable resource, minimizing energy consumption during production compared to traditional pressed steel vehicles.

• This construction method enables prototype work with simple hand tools while still requiring advanced machinery like computer-controlled profile cutters for efficiency.

Ergonomics and Mock-Up Testing

• A full-size mock-up was created to evaluate seating positions, door openings, and visibility.

• Adjustments were necessary for driver visibility; ensuring an unobstructed view of the bonnet was crucial for safety.

Chassis Development Insights

• The first chassis built using the epoxy ply technique achieved a weight reduction of approximately 70% compared to earlier models.

• The structure's stiffness was notable; steel roll tape provided passenger protection while forming door openings alongside a steel subframe supporting critical components.

Prototype Testing and Performance

Engine Specifications

• Initially lacking funding for a specialized engine, a 1300 cc Citroën unit was used that matched the intended specifications but had limitations due to being flat and air-cooled.

First Drive Experience

• The initial drive in the new prototype elicited both excitement and nervousness; it performed well off-tarmac with good visibility despite aerodynamics suggesting limited speed potential.

• Early tests indicated maximum speeds around 70 mph, confirming concerns about poor aerodynamic design but showing promise for future improvements.

Wind Tunnel Testing Results

• Modifications aimed at improving airflow included altering the front shape; however, wind tunnel tests revealed issues with airflow splitting rather than flowing smoothly over the vehicle.

• A drag coefficient (Cd factor) of 0.62 highlighted significant room for improvement in aerodynamics essential for performance enhancement.

Rally Testing Outcomes

Rally Participation Insights

• Despite facing challenges such as fuel pump issues during India's Himalayan rally after covering 1000 kilometers, valuable lessons were learned under competitive conditions.

Performance Metrics

• With only 65 horsepower available, achieving fifth fastest time on one section demonstrated potential against established competitors like Range Rovers and Subarus.

Cultural Reflections on Automotive History

Visit to French National Motor Museum

• The museum showcased classic cars including Bugattis but lacked representation from iconic models like Citroën DS or Renault vehicles prevalent in automotive history discussions.

Commentary on Automotive Evolution

• Observations reflected on how consumerism has transformed automobiles from practical transport into symbols of status—highlighting historical shifts in automotive design priorities.

Environmental Considerations

Road Access Restrictions

Zermatt's Unique Transport System

The Role of Local Transport in Zermatt

• Zermatt is not just an alpine resort; it is a sizable town with unique transport options, including walking, horse-drawn taxis, and electric vehicles.

• The absence of private motor cars allows for a mix of local energy sources and needs to shape transportation methods.

• While motoring over the Alps offers personal freedom, it raises concerns about environmental impact, road safety, and resource consumption.

Lamborghini's Manufacturing Approach

Insights from the Lamborghini Factory Visit

• A visit to the Lamborghini factory highlights their commitment to precision manufacturing using both handcrafting and modern technology.

• Unlike many manufacturers, Lamborghini produces its own engines while sourcing body panels externally.

• The production process at Lamborghini contrasts with high-volume manufacturers like Mitsubishi due to lower output but similar economic challenges.

Alternative Vehicle Production Models

Jeepneys in the Philippines

• Jeepneys are stylish alternatives that compete economically with Japanese vehicles by utilizing recycled materials and local craftsmanship.

• Body panels for jeepneys are crafted without detailed drawings, showcasing a hands-on approach to vehicle assembly.

Cost Efficiency in Vehicle Production

Comparing Production Costs

• The Africa system aims for cost efficiency by requiring less skill and labor compared to traditional models like the jeepney or Lamborghini.

• This approach emphasizes local manufacture while maintaining competitive pricing against established brands.

Journey Preparation for Africa

Logistics Before Departure

• As they prepare to leave Rome on the Appian Way towards Carthage, logistical considerations become crucial for their journey into Africa.

• Spare parts will be limited once across the Mediterranean; thus, careful planning is essential before departure.

Challenges Faced During Project Development

Funding Issues and Project Complexity

• The project has faced numerous challenges primarily related to funding rather than design or construction difficulties.

Project Overview and Challenges

Initial Motivation and Concept

• The speaker discusses the inception of a boat project, initially conceived as a hobby after selling their last company to Guinness. They express excitement about the long-term challenge it presents.

Development Journey

• The project is described as facing significant challenges, particularly in terms of finance and development timelines. The first prototype was operational but required further investment and refinement.

Financial Struggles

• After eight months without external funding, the team relied on personal resources to continue development. A revised prototype was necessary for road viability, echoing Porsche's post-war traditions.

Banking Issues and Project Viability

Banking Relationships

• The speaker expresses dissatisfaction with their bank due to its South African ties but acknowledges its significance in Africa. This relationship becomes crucial as financial issues arise.

Progress Updates

• A year prior, the project was merely conceptual; now they have a functioning vehicle. However, merchant banks remain uninterested in financing at this stage.

Testing and Production Plans

Vehicle Testing Results

• Following successful testing of the vehicle, plans are made to produce pre-production prototypes that closely resemble final models.

Moving Forward Independently

• With limited oversight from others, the speaker feels empowered to expedite development while navigating challenging conditions previously affected by conflict.

Production Timeline and Setbacks

Workshop Establishment

• In May 1983, a workshop was established near Leicester for building test vehicles and cars intended for Africa. Rapid progress is noted with key milestones achieved by October.

Financial Crisis Impact

• Despite having negotiated agreements with banks regarding income usage until project completion, unexpected financial crises led to halted work and delayed departures for testing in Sweden.

Publicity Efforts and Outcomes

Media Engagement

• Faced with financial difficulties, going public helped save the Africa project despite being premature; overwhelming interest highlighted market potential but lacked immediate support structures.

Bank Relations Deteriorate

• Bank managers attribute issues not to the project's viability but rather internal disputes within their institution affecting support for ongoing projects like Africa's vehicles.

Final Preparations for Departure

Departure Challenges

• On February 14th, 1984, amidst financial constraints including frozen accounts and overloaded credit cards, they finally departed towards Sweden with incomplete systems on their vehicles.

Cultural Reflections

The Impact of Third World Debt

Understanding the Debt Crisis

• The essence of the third world debt problem lies in outstanding loans where unpaid interest exceeds the original loan amount, indicating a severe financial crisis.

• Western banks are described as effectively bankrupt due to the inability to repay these debts, highlighting systemic issues within global finance.

Economic Alternatives for Africa

• There is a proposal for Africa to introduce genuine local manufacturing, particularly focusing on vehicles, which are currently the largest manufactured import.

• The motivation behind this initiative is to set an example for change and demonstrate that alternative economic models can be successful in Africa.

Challenges Faced During Implementation

• The journey across salt flats illustrates the physical challenges faced in implementing these economic changes; conditions became treacherous with mud obscuring visibility.