Q. What is the price range of the UNICAT Amerigo models?
A. Starting prices are:
Amerigo with Unimog U500 4x4 starts @ $500,000
Amerigo with International 7400 4x4 starts @ $500,000
Q. Why are UNICAT Expedition Vehicles so much more expensive than standard RV's?
A. Everything about these vehicles sets them apart from conventional RV's - design, workmanship, safety, comfort, reliability, durability, range, and capability. Modifications to the cab and chassis alone, for example, double the cost of the truck. The body and everything in it is designed and built to withstand the most extreme terrain. They are built to withstand the rigors of safaris, be it in the desert, jungle or cold climates. Their purpose is similar to that of a yacht designed to cross oceans without failure. Other RV's would break apart if they tried to follow a UNICAT.
Q. Do you offer financing?
A. There are no institutional lenders at this time that will provide financing for these vehicles until they are completed and back on US soil. Your best bet is to speak with your personal banker. If your intended use is as a primary or secondary residence, you may even qualify for certain tax deductions (please check with your accountant).
Q. How long does it take to get one?
A. Our current delivery schedule is eight to twelve months depending on chassis availability, personal preferences and options.
Q. Do you rent these vehicles?
A. We do not currently have rental vehicles. This could change in the future if we get sufficient requests.
Q. Do you have local dealerships?
A. Initially, all vehicles will be built to order and delivered either at our factory in Germany or to a specified US port of entry. Our goal is to eventually establish regional dealerships throughout the continent.
Q. Are the vehicles U.S. highway legal?
A. Yes, all of our vehicles meet EPA and DOT requirements and can be licensed and registered in all states.
Q. Can the vehicles be serviced in the U.S.?
A. Yes, servicing or repair of your chassis can be arranged at any International, or Unimog dealership as well as many unaffiliated truck repair facilities. Body systems, components and appliances can be serviced or repaired at most RV dealerships or independent service centers such as Camping World, Coach Care Service Centers, and HWH Corporation. Since we use primarily marine-grade components, you can also get the bodies serviced at boat yards. Consulting and sale of extra equipment, such as tools and spares are also part of our service. Of course, if required, we will send you these items wherever you happen to be. And if it's not otherwise possible then our worldwide repair service will drop by and save the day. Due to our detailed vehicle databank we know, even years later, exactly what we put in your vehicle.
Q. Can I order a body similar to the ones on European chassis?
A. Yes, we will gladly custom build any body you see (or don't see) on UNICAT's European website and integrate it onto a US chassis.
Q. Can I buy a new European model and license it in the U.S.?
A. No, European models are not EPA and DOT certified. Even if you go through the trouble and expense of conversion, they would lack a warranty and getting spare parts and servicing would be difficult. Although MAN and Volvo 4x4 chassis are popular for use as Expedition Vehicles in Europe, making them US legal would make the price prohibitively high and would still not solve the problem of warranty, servicing and spare parts. We have been informed by MAN and Volvo that they have no plans to enter this niche market.
Q. Can I buy a pre-owned European model and license it in the U.S.?
A. If a vehicle is 25 years or older, it may be licensed as a historical vehicle. Servicing and purchasing spare parts for the chassis and body systems and components would be very difficult.
Q. Where are the vehicles manufactured?
A. Although many of the components are manufactured in the US, the bodies are built and assembled in Germany, the birthplace of the automobile. In fact, UNICAT is located 1 hour from Mercedes Benz, 1 hour from Porsche, and 30 minutes from the Unimog plant.
Q. Are there any other US street-legal chassis options?
A. We have had discussions with Armor Holdings (previously Stewart & Stevenson), a company that manufactures a cab-over configuration strictly for the military. Although difficult to locate, some units have been available on the civilian market. Custom built 4X4 or 6X6 chassis are also available from Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbuilt and possibly Tatra.
We are also currently working on a prototype based on the International MXT chassis. This will be an overhead configuration.
Q. Why do you offer so many different body sizes and wheelbases?
A. When it comes to size, each vehicle is a compromise between off-road capability and comfort. Depending on individual needs or preferences, we strive to provide a choice of several options.
Q. Are the shown angles of approach and departure shown in your computer graphics to scale?
A. Yes, the purpose of showing these details is to give you as much information as possible in order to make the right choice. While the sloped back offers a better departure angle, a square shape offers much better usage of the storage area beneath the bed or seating area. The square shape is also ideal for installing a rack for 1-2 motorbikes or an ATV.
