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Frequently
Asked Questions
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Who is designing the BUV?
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Who will buy BUV's?
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How will student's research be utilized?
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What is IAT's role in the BUV
development process?
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How is IAT funded?
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How do Corporate Sponsors Benefit?
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What are some of the BUV's attributes?
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What is IAT work plan?
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Why do BUVs not exist?
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How can people afford a BUV?
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How do BUVs help women?
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Will women buy BUVs?
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What cultural norms must the
BUV overcome?
Who designs the BUV?
IAT works with
the private sector and utilizes engineering students for cost-effective product
development. Teams of engineering students nationwide generate prototype BUV
designs and participate in annual BUV Design Competitions. More than thirty universities have participated including Auburn, Purdue,
Marquette, Michigan, Missouri, John Brown, University of Cincinatti, University
of Dayton, Miami University, SUNY, University of Northern Arizona, Southern Alberta Institute of
Technology, and Northern Illinois University.
Who will buy BUVs?
Target consumers will be small business owners with incomes
less than $4000 per year. Target countries are those in Africa and Latin America that are within 2000 miles of the equator. BUVs are best suited for warm climates because BUVs are open-air vehicles.
Flat or rolling hill topography is preferred because the economical engine has limited power. BUVs are designed for low-traffic, rural applications.
Who uses the designs?
Small manufacturers in impoverished areas will use the designs and will access them at
www.drivebuv.org The website’s purpose is to
encourage collaboration and technology sharing. The
Technology Transfer Package will help small businesses bypass the costly product development
process. By removing R&D from the product
cost, IAT allows small manufacturers in
Africa and beyond a way to quickly enter the motor-vehicle business with low
investment.
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What is IAT's role in the BUV development
process?
IAT researches the
need and feasibility of BUVs, mobilizes university involvement through the
Annual BUV Competition (8 years running), and
promotes the vehicle to a variety of stakeholders. IAT is a non-profit
organization with headquarters in Indianapolis. IAT partners with aid
agencies and mission organizations whenever possible. IAT leverages the skills
of many volunteers around the world to pursue its goals at very low cost.
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How is IAT funded?
IAT is funded by individuals, foundations, churches, and international
corporations. Targeted corporations include those that extract resources from
developing nations and those companies that can directly benefit from BUV sales
(i.e. manufacturers of small engines, auto parts,
and petroleum products).
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How do corporate sponsors benefit?
Sponsors have an
opportunity to make a tax-deductible contribution that could indirectly help
create new markets for their products. Furthermore, this goodwill endeavor can
attract national and sometimes international publicity by helping the less
fortunate. Sponsors also benefits from the involvement of college students (both
via PR and employment).
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What are some of the attributes of the BUV?
The design theme is
simple, durable, and functional. BUVs are designed around the following
specifications (partial list):
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Cost: |
$3300 in USA, less if built in
Africa / overseas |
| Payload: |
1200 lbs |
| Speed: |
20 mph (governed) |
| Weight: |
1100 lb for the 3-wheeler |
| Engine: |
10 hp - 13 hp (gas or optional
diesel) |
| Maximize: |
number of unassembled kits
that fit in 20' ocean container |
| Minimize: |
total cost of ownership,
custom designed parts, part number count |
| Parts Excluded |
doors, body panels, glass,
trim, gauges, hydraulics, radiator, heater, AC |
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What is the work plan for the BUV?
| 2008 |
Launch first BUV factory in
Africa |
| 2009 |
Build / license 500th BUV to
serve the poor, widows, or orphans. |
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What are the most common BUV applications?
- medical vehicle
- farm vehicle
carrying farm inputs / outputs
- construction vehicle
for churches, clinics, schools
- water distribution
or water purification
- school bus for
children
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How are BUVs distributed?
Eight assembled BUVs
can fit in one 40' ocean container, or 14 crated units (nested halves), or 60 separately packed
front BUV kits can be
sent in a 20' ocean containers.
Full shipments reduce freight / theft costs, and enhance consistency
during customs. The entire container is placed on to a large truck and delivered
to the BUV factory. Over time, local sourcing occurs and more jobs are
created. Each assembler/dealer assembles, sells, and services BUVs.
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All
rights reserved.
Copyright © 2001 Institute of Affordable Transportation.
Revised:
May 20, 2008
webmaster@drivebuv.org
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