Basic "ATV" Changes Lives In Poor Countries

Basic ATV Changes Lives In Poor Countries AG WORLD Ag World Ever heard of a BUV? It s short for Basic Utility Vehicle which is a low-cost ATV without all the bells and whistles You re most likely to find them in remote villages in Africa
    The BUV is the brainchild of Will Austin a mechanical engineer who worked at General Motors Ford and Delco Electronics before The Lord laid this on my heart during a fly-fishing trip to South America in 1998
    After several trips to impoverished countries he realized how much the quality of life depends on affordable transportation Austin began working on prototypes In 2005 his non-profit charity the Institute for Affordable Transportation IAT sent its first production BUV to Honduras That first one is still running thanks to the simple but overbuilt design
    BUV s excel in rough driving conditions They carry up to 1 200 lbs cost 1/5 the cost of a typical economy car and travel at less than 20 mph With attachments a parked BUV can pump water grind grain generate electricity or power other machines that can be driven by a V-belt They can also cultivate ditch and work gardens and fields with tillage attachments
    Starting at $3 700 for a rolling chassis with no bed to $5 000 for a complete unit with upgrade options BUV s are generally purchased for mission and humanitarian organizations IAT works with groups to send the BUV s in shipping containers to keep transportation costs as low as possible
     In general we expect each BUV to touch more than 1 000 people says Austin Instead of hauling water and wood all day women and children can grow food or go to school BUV s can be made into ambulances to take people to clinics since most people in rural Africa have to walk more than 5 miles to reach the nearest doctor
    With a BUV prices on goods are lower because of less expensive freight costs and growers can get their goods to better paying markets Materials for construction projects - water sand concrete - can be delivered faster and easier
    Austin envisions that people will gain dignity self-confidence and become entrepreneurs with BUV s While transportation has been the biggest use for them they can also be fitted with tractor-style tires for farming and logging
     It ll go where other 4x4 trucks get stuck It has very high torque Austin says The components are simple because we wanted a vehicle that people could make their own parts for if necessary
    The BUV s are built in Indianapolis by four paid staff and many volunteers Donors pay for overhead and salaries including Austin s - just as missionaries are often required to raise their own pay Austin s ultimate goal is to set up assembly factories in other countries such as the one already established in South Africa That way the BUV will also provide jobs and income for local people
    BUV s have a 10 hp diesel engine that gets anywhere from 30 to 60 mpg depending on terrain and load They weigh 1 200 lbs with a treated lumber 6-ft long cargo bed The front spindle/hub is rated at 1 750 lbs and the axles are designed for 250 hp engines They are simple to drive - middle steering and no shifting or clutch They don t have a powered reverse but pivot around easily and can be pushed manually
    So far about 115 BUV s have been shipped to Africa Haiti and Central America as Austin s organization builds awareness and excitement about the vehicle s capabilities     
     This is a hand-up not a hand-out he says BUV s empower people economically and spiritually They help people help themselves Providing transportation bridges a gap and helps connect people
    Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Will Austin Institute for Affordable Transportation 5868 E 71st St Suite E-199 Indianapolis Ind á 46220 ph 317 213-1088;
will austin@driveBUV org; www drivebuv org

How to Help:
• Donate to IAT a 501 c 3 charity to help cover overhead costs
• Raise money with friends or your church to send a BUV to a missionary
• Volunteer at the Indianapolis factory
• Donate your car or truck
• Take a BUV on tour to various car shows in your area

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