NJ2045 is the 1.5 tonne 4X4 light utility vehicle built by Nanjing Iveco Motor Co. Ltd., a joint venture owned by Nanjing Motor Corporation and Italian car manufacturer Iveco Corporation, which is a part of the larger Iveco Fiat-Otobreda combine. The vehicle is based on the Iveco commercial minibus van design with enhanced features for cross-country travelling. Nanjing has also developed a high-mobility cross-country truck variant known as NJ2046 for use of airborne forces and special operations forces.
The NJ2045 provides a lightweight multipurpose 4X4 carrier for troops, cargo, shelter, and weapon systems. The vehicle is available in standard wheelbase and longer wheelbase versions. The vehicle can be configured for personnel carrier, command and liaison, ambulance, light truck, and workshop roles.
Nanjing Iveco began to develop the 4X4 military version of its minibus van in 1997 to meet the PLA’s growing demand for such a vehicle. The development of the NJ2045 lasted for five years before the batch production began. A May 2003 report noted Nanjing Iveco’s intention to increase production to 30,000 units annually over the following two years, especially to meet a growing demands for “special purpose vehicles” -- fire engines, ambulances and military trucks.
The NJ2045 is powered by a Nanjing-built Iveco SOFIM 2.8 litre, liquid-cooled, straight 4-cylinder, direct injection, turbo-charged diesel engine, developing 87kW at 3,600 rpm. The vehicle has a 6-speed (5 forward, 1 reverse) manual gear box. The vehicle is fitted with a 24V power supply and a pre-heating device for easier start in extreme low temperatures.
Basic nine-seat variant (Chinese Internet)
The long-body ambulance variant (Chinese Internet)
