Peugeot P4

   The Peugeot P4 is a license-produced version of the Mercedes-Benz G-class, fitted with French engine, transmission and has a reshaped body. The initial French Army requirement was to replace 10 000 Jeeps. This vehicle was jointly designed by Peugeot and Mercedes in the 1970s. The first prototype was completed in 1978. The Peugeot P4 competed for the French Army  requirement against Renault and Citroen designs. In 1981 after extensive trials the Peugeot P4 was selected. Its production commenced in 1982. Since 1985 the P4 was manufactured by Panhard. A total of 13 500 units were ordered. Production ceased in 1992. Since its introduction this light utility vehicle is widely used by the French military as the VLTT (Vehicule Liaison Tout-Terrain). Currently it is the standard light vehicle of the French military. However it is to be replaced by the Panhard PVP and Panhard VLTP-NP. A small number of P4s were exported to Chile and some African countries. And its civilian version was available.

   The original Peugeot P4 has payload capacity of 500 kg. Later production models with diesel engines have a payload capacity of 750 kg. This vehicle carries four men and radio equipment. Rear passengers are seated on bench seats, that can be folded down to enlarge the cargo area. Vehicle has a tarpaulin cover which is easily removable. A fully-enclosed version was also available.

   The P4 can be fitted with various adapters for mounting machine guns and other weapons. These were used by recon units. Some vehicles were fitted with MILAN ATGW launchers. These were used by motorized infantry units.

   This vehicle has a towbar at the rear and can tow light trailers or artillery pieces.

   The Peugeot P4 was fitted with engines of the civil Peugeot 504 passenger car. First production vehicles were fitted with Peugeot XN8 petrol engines, developing 78 hp. Later a Peugeot XD3 2.5-lityer diesel developing 70 hp was introduced. Later the P4 was fitted with more powerful 1.9 or 2.1-liter turbocharged diesels, developing 90 and 109 hp respectively. It mounted transmission of the civilian Peugeot 604. The P4 is small enough to be airdropped or transported by helicopter.

Variants

   Peugeot P4D (diesel), conversion of petrol models, refitted with original 2.5-liter diesel engines. In 1992 a total of 1 300 vehicles were converted to this standard;

   Peugeot P4 LWB has an extended end with bench longer seats. This model accommodates 8 fully-equipped soldiers at the rear. It was available both with soft- and hard-top configurations;

   Peugeot P4P (protege), armored version. Five different versions of the P4P were produced in the 1990s. These have various protection levels;

   Peugeot P4 SAS, armed patrol version, fitted with 12.7-mm and 7.62-mm machine guns. It is intended for special operation forces;

   VEHA, lighter version of the P4, intended for the airborne troops, developed in 1996.