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Founded
in 1919, the Czech company Avia began by manufacturing aircraft and
engines. Involvement in truck production began in 1946. This was followed
by an important license agreement with Renault in 1967, which resulted in
the production of the famous 'A' range. In 1995 the South
Korea-based Daewoo Motors purchased a 50.2% majority stake of the company. This resulted
in the compnay being known as 'Daewoo Avia' and a
significant investment in both product development and facilities was
undertaken. In 2005, Avia was purchased by the Odien Group and the
Avia name returned.
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1919
marked the beginning of Avia aircraft and engine manufacture.
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During
the pre-war era, Avia was associated mostly with the aerospace
industry as the producer of Avia transporters and military planes,
including the famous Czech fighter - the Avia B-534. |
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From
1939-1940, Avia continued to produce planes. After the war,
Avia manufactured the Avia 14-32, the largest aircraft ever produced
in the Czech Republic. |
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In
1946, during the post-war era, Avia became involved in the
automotive industry. As early as 1946, work was completed on
the 706R line of trucks and buses. In 1961 the aerospace
program was gradually phased out, however Avia continued to
specialise in
engines and propellers. |
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In
the 1960s, the company was associated with two highly successful
lines of mid-sized trucks - the Praga V3S and S5T. The
immensely popular V3S remained in production until 1988. The
company also produced OT-64 armoured transporters for the army. |
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1967
is another important date marking Avia's aquisition of the French
license to produce 1.5 and 3 ton Renault-Saviem trucks, which became
the A15 and A30/A20 models. |
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In
1983, Avia began producing the innovative A31/21 line. 1995
was truly a landmark year, Daewoo purchased a majority of Avia,
which resulted in the new name Daewoo Avia in 1996. In
1997, the company introduced a new modernised truck line - the A60,
A75 and A80. At the same time, Daewoo Avia laid the groundwork
for the D-LINE launch in 2000. |
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2000
marked the launch of the Daewoo Avia D-LINE. |
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