Universal Power Drives
Unipower Hannibal 4x4 Timber Tractor manucatured in 1940 | |
| Company type | Limited |
|---|---|
| Industry | Vehicle Manufacturer |
| Founded | 1934 |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Fate | Defunct |
| Headquarters | England |
| Parent | Caterpillar inc (1977-1994) Alvis PLC (1994-2000) |
Universal Power Drives Ltd was a British vehicle manufacturer based in Aintree Road, Perivale, Middlesex. Started in 1934 as 4x4 forestry vehicle manufacturer, later company started manufacturing commercial trucks, the company was acquired by Caterpillar Inc a Illinois based American construction and mining equipment manufacturer in 1977. Later Alvis plc, a London based vehicle manufacturer, acquired the company in 1994 and rebranded it to Alvis-Unipower.[1]
History
Universal Power Drives was founded in 1934 with a factory in Perivale and its head office in Aldwych, London. During the 1930s, 40s and 50s it specialised in producing 4x4 forestry logging trucks. In 1972 it launched the 4x4 Unipower Invader suited to fire-fighting and construction use.
Todd Motors in New Zealand produced the TS3 Commer Truck, in the early 1970s, with a Unipower tandem drive assembly as a factory option.
In January 1966 they exhibited a sports car, the Unipower GT at the Racing Car Show. Another car they produced was the Quasar-Unipower which was built in 1967 and 1968.
In 1977 the company was acquired by Caterpillar Inc and production was moved to Thames Ditton, Surrey.
In 1988 the company started a new enterprise in Watford to provide continuity of support for Scammell trucks following the closure of the Leyland DAF (formerly British Leyland) owned Scammell plant that year.
In the 1980s it launched the C-series heavy-haulage tractor and a range of military trucks.
Alvis plc acquired the company in 1994 and named their new subsidiary Alvis Unipower Limited, the trucks began to be branded as Alvis-Unipower.
Following their elimination from the bidding process for the UK Ministry of Defence's Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) project, Alvis announced their intention to seek a new owner for Alvis Unipower.[2]
References
- ^ "UNIPOWER GT HISTORY". Unipower GT Owners. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
- ^ "Alvis plc To Seek New Owner For Unipower" (Press release). Alvis plc. 15 October 1999.
Bibliography
- Davies, Peter J. (2000). The World Encyclopedia of Trucks. Lorenz Books. ISBN 0-7548-0518-2.