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Tomcar
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The Tomcar (stylized as TOMCAR) is a commercial off-road utility vehicle manufacturer. The name was used earlier on a French 50cc Microcar which can be operated without a license.[1]
Key Information
Tomcar is a manufacturer of off-road UTV vehicles. All Tomcars have a fully welded frame and roll cage utilizing steel on load-bearing components and an aluminum skid plate for impact protection.
Uses for Tomcars range from mining companies, cinematographers, recreational hunters, to special operations forces.[citation needed]
History and operations
[edit]Tomcar was founded in Givat HaShlosha, Israel by Yoram Zarhi in 1991. The company has a workshop in Israel, a manufacturing plant in Arizona, United States, and a planned assembly plant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.[2]
Tomcars are used by the United States Marine Corps.[2] They were also purchased by the British armed forces for use in Afghanistan, among other operations. They were used to retrieve supply drops. These were later sold in the private sector.[3]
Models
[edit]The Tomcar TM, the original Tomcar, is a 2WD 2, 4, or 6 seater vehicle with varying cargo space and both combustion and electric powertrain options.
The Tomcar TX is a 4WD vehicle. The TX has 17" ground clearance, 4-wheel independent suspension, a one-piece fully welded frame and roll cage, an aluminum skid plate, a lower center of gravity, and a one-ton payload.[2]
Gallery
[edit]-
Tomcar TX4 -
The 4WD Tomcar TX -
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Filming a movie
References
[edit]- ^ Sundfeldt, Björn (1982-11-03). "Parissalongen: Framtiden ligger i luften" [Paris Show: The Future is in the air]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 34, no. 22. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. p. 46.
- ^ a b c Etzion, Udi (November 15, 2020). "תומקאר הישראלית תקים מפעל רכב בדובאי, מרחיבה את הייצור בארה"ב" [Israel's Tomcar Will Build a Car Factory in Dubai, Expanding Its Producted in the US]. Calcalist (in Hebrew). Retrieved August 20, 2021.
- ^ Etzion, Udi (August 20, 2021). "ותודה לטליבאן: עסקי הנשק של ישראל באפגניסטן" [And Thanks to the Taliban: Israel's Arms Deals in Afghanistan]. Calcalist (in Hebrew). Retrieved August 20, 2021.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tomcar (Israel) vehicles.
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Tomcar
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Tomcar is an off-road utility vehicle manufacturer founded in Israel in 1991 by former IDF commander Yoram Zarhi to meet special forces requirements for parachute-deployable terrain vehicles.[1][2] The company's vehicles, such as the TM and TX series, emphasize extreme durability through fully welded steel frames, high ground clearance of up to 17 inches, and independent suspension, enabling operations in harsh environments including military patrols, mining, and agriculture.[3][4] Originally designed for the Israeli Defense Forces and later adopted by NATO forces in Afghanistan, Tomcar expanded to commercial markets with production facilities in Australia until 2018 and currently in the United States and Mexico.[5][6] The brand's defining characteristic is its military-grade engineering, which has sustained use by U.S. special operations and industrial sectors demanding reliability over recreational performance.[7][8]
Origins and Development
Founding in Israel
Tomcar's conceptual origins trace back to 1967 during a military operation involving Israeli airborne commandos, where a commanding officer improvised functional vehicles by combining parts from wrecked Jeeps after their airdropped units were destroyed, enabling the mission's completion behind enemy lines.[4] This event highlighted the need for highly durable, all-terrain vehicles capable of withstanding extreme abuse, inspiring the development of a modular, bolt-together frame design that prioritized simplicity and repairability over conventional welding.[7] The company was formally founded in 1991 by Yoram Zarhi in Israel, initially focusing on producing lightweight, off-road vehicles for military applications, particularly tailored for the Israeli Defense Forces and special operations units.[9][2] Zarhi's design emphasized a rigid chassis made from rectangular steel tubing, allowing field repairs with basic tools, which addressed vulnerabilities observed in standard military Jeeps during conflicts like the Six-Day War.[1] Early prototypes were developed to fit within helicopters such as the Sea Knight or Chinook for rapid deployment, reflecting Israel's operational requirements for border patrol and reconnaissance in rugged terrain.[10] By the early 1990s, Tomcar had established a workshop in Israel for prototyping and initial production, with the vehicles gaining adoption among elite Israeli military units for their reliability in harsh conditions, including desert and mountainous environments.[11] The founding principles centered on empirical testing of structural integrity, drawing from battlefield lessons rather than theoretical engineering, which differentiated Tomcar from competitors reliant on more fragile unibody constructions.[12]Early Military Prototypes (1960s–1980s)
In 1967, during a top-secret Israeli military operation involving airborne commandos behind enemy lines, the unit's standard jeeps were destroyed, stranding the team.[13][14] An Israeli commanding officer improvised by scavenging parts from the wreckage to construct two functional all-terrain vehicles, enabling the unit's extraction.[7][4] This event directly inspired the initial Tomcar prototype, a lightweight, modular 4x4 vehicle engineered for superior durability and off-road performance in hostile environments, marking the genesis of Tomcar's military-oriented designs.[13][4] The early prototype, developed in Israel shortly after the 1967 incident, featured a spaceframe chassis capable of withstanding extreme abuse, including high-speed impacts and disassembly for air-droppable transport, prioritizing reliability over conventional automotive norms.[4] These vehicles were tested and refined for use by Israeli special forces, emphasizing traits like rapid field repairs and operation in desert or rugged terrains, with initial models weighing under 1,000 pounds empty to facilitate airborne deployment.[15][13] Through the 1970s and 1980s, iterative prototypes evolved the core design, incorporating enhanced suspension for 14-17 inches of travel and modular powertrains suited to military logistics, though production remained limited to specialized IDF units rather than mass issuance.[4][15] By the late 1980s, these prototypes had demonstrated resilience in operational scenarios, influencing subsequent models with welded chromoly steel frames tested to endure rollovers and ballistic impacts without structural failure, setting Tomcar apart from standard military jeeps like the M151 MUTT.[13][7] The focus during this era remained on causal engineering for survivability—such as independent wheel removal for quick maintenance—rather than speed or comfort, aligning with the needs of elite reconnaissance and commando roles.[4]Transition to Commercial Production (1990s)
In 1990, the inaugural Tomcar vehicle was introduced in Israel as a lightweight, high-maneuverability patrol platform for border police operations in volatile regions, featuring modular armoring, bulletproof windshields, and provisions for top-mounted weaponry to enhance tactical utility.[16] This design drew directly from earlier military prototypes tested in the 1960s–1980s, prioritizing extreme durability and off-road performance over conventional automotive norms, with a welded steel frame capable of withstanding harsh field conditions. Tomcar Ltd. was formally established in 1991 by Yoram Zarhi, an Israeli innovator and former military commander, in the kibbutz of Givat HaShlosha, transitioning from informal prototype fabrication to organized manufacturing for broader applications.[9] Named after Zarhi's son, the company initiated serial production of its core TM-series vehicles, which retained military-grade engineering—such as independent suspension and 4x4 drivetrains—while adapting for civilian and industrial sectors like agriculture, mining, and utility transport.[6] Early output emphasized scalability, with vehicles weighing under 1,500 pounds yet engineered for payloads exceeding 1,000 pounds, enabling export potential beyond Israel's defense needs. By the mid-1990s, production had stabilized, with Tomcar vehicles entering limited commercial markets, including utility fleets and specialized patrols, as the firm's workshop in Israel handled assembly of approximately dozens of units annually.[17] This phase solidified causal engineering choices, such as tube-frame construction for impact resistance, which proved empirically superior in real-world endurance tests compared to riveted or bolted competitors, though initial volumes remained constrained by artisanal-scale operations rather than mass automation.[18] The shift reflected pragmatic adaptation to post-Cold War demand for rugged, low-maintenance off-roaders, unencumbered by legacy automaker biases toward on-road comfort.Company Operations
U.S. Manufacturing and Expansion (2000s–Present)
In the early 2000s, Tomcar USA, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona since its establishment in 1991, focused on expanding production capabilities to meet growing demand for its rugged off-road vehicles in North American markets, including military and industrial sectors.[19][20] The Phoenix facility serves as the core site for manufacturing and servicing all-terrain utility vehicles tailored for mining, oil and gas, and defense applications.[20] A key milestone occurred in 2008 when Tomcar USA partnered with German engineering firm EDAG Inc. to launch an 85,000-square-foot contract production facility at EDAG's North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.[21] This site was designed for high-volume assembly, starting with 95 employees and targeting 2,000 vehicles in 2008, scaling to over 5,000 in 2009, with full annual capacity reaching 10,200 units.[21] The partnership aimed to leverage EDAG's expertise in automotive engineering while positioning Tomcar for broader U.S. market penetration, including potential relocation of global headquarters to the Detroit area.[21] Following a 2009 acquisition by Markstone Capital Partners, Tomcar accelerated expansion through enhanced production lines, including continued collaboration with EDAG in Michigan to support commercial and military variants.[22] U.S. military adoption grew, with vehicles procured by the United States Marine Corps for operational use, underscoring their durability in demanding environments. In 2020, Tomcar USA formed a strategic alliance with Prince Manufacturing to assemble the TX series, utilizing facilities in Asheville, North Carolina; El Paso, Texas; and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, with the first TX unit rolling off the line in 2021.[23][24] This initiative expanded U.S.-based assembly capacity for the TX model's advanced features, such as enhanced suspension and payload, targeting defense and commercial fleets.[24] By the mid-2020s, Tomcar's U.S. operations drove international growth, exemplified by a 2025 joint venture with JSW Sarbloh Motors to produce TX-range vehicles in India, marking entry into right-hand-drive markets while maintaining Arizona as the operational base.[25] These efforts have sustained annual production growth, with the Phoenix headquarters overseeing quality control and customization for global exports.[20]Leadership and Ownership
Tomcar was founded in 1991 in Givat HaShlosha, Israel, by Yoram Zarchi, a former Israeli special forces officer who developed early prototypes for military use.[6][1] Zarchi served as the initial CEO until approximately 2010, when private equity firm Markstone Capital Group acquired a controlling stake in the company, leading to his replacement by Ronen Harel as CEO.[1][22] U.S. operations, under Tomcar LLC, were established with manufacturing relocated to the Phoenix area around 2004, driven by Ram Zarchi—Yoram Zarchi's son—who serves as CEO, founder, and principal owner of the American entity.[14][26] The company remains privately held, with Markstone Capital Group and Tivona Capital listed as historical investors, though current ownership details emphasize Ram Zarchi's leadership role in global expansion and production.[27] As of 2025, Tomcar's management includes Edan Shiboleth as president alongside Ram Zarchi, supporting operations focused on off-road vehicle manufacturing and international partnerships, such as a joint venture with JSW Sarbloh Motors in India for tactical ATV production.[28][29] No public disclosures indicate majority external ownership beyond these principals, reflecting the company's evolution from Israeli military origins to U.S.-centric commercial production.[30]Global Distribution and Partnerships
Tomcar's global distribution relies on strategic manufacturing partnerships rather than a widespread dealer network, enabling localized production to meet regional demands in defense, commercial, and industrial sectors. In August 2020, the company partnered with Prince Manufacturing to assemble TX series vehicles at facilities in Asheville, North Carolina; El Paso, Texas; and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, supporting efficient supply for North American and select Latin American markets.[23] A significant expansion occurred on August 21, 2025, when Tomcar USA formed a joint venture with JSW Sarbloh Motors, a JSW Group subsidiary, to produce the TX range of all-terrain vehicles in India. JSW Sarbloh holds a 70% stake in the venture, with manufacturing at its Chandigarh facility targeting India's defense, security, and industrial applications, alongside exports to right-hand-drive markets in Asia and beyond; vehicle trials were slated to begin shortly after the announcement, with full rollout expected by 2026.[31][32] Earlier efforts included operations through Tomcar Australia Pty Ltd, which manufactured and distributed vehicles from Melbourne for agricultural, mining, and defense uses until entering voluntary administration in February 2018, after which the entity ceased trading.[33] These initiatives underscore Tomcar's approach to scaling via co-production in key regions, though direct international dealer listings remain limited, with inquiries typically handled through U.S. headquarters.[34]Engineering and Design Principles
Frame and Structural Integrity
Tomcar vehicles employ a fully welded high-grade steel frame and integrated roll cage, engineered for superior structural integrity and occupant protection in demanding off-road environments. This monocoque-like chassis design, derived from military prototypes developed since the 1960s, distributes loads effectively across load-bearing steel components, enabling the vehicles to withstand extreme impacts, overloading, and prolonged exposure to harsh terrains such as deserts and rugged trails.[4][35][3] The frame's construction features seamless welding to eliminate weak points, with modular bolt-on armored steel elements that facilitate repairs and customizations without compromising overall rigidity. Complementing the steel framework is an aircraft-grade aluminum skid plate that shields critical underbody components from rock strikes and debris, contributing to the vehicle's reputation for repairability and longevity—attributes validated through three years of rigorous government testing for military applications. A lifetime warranty on the frame reflects the manufacturer's assurance of its enduring strength, supporting payload capacities exceeding 100% of the vehicle's curb weight, approximately 2,700 pounds for the TX model.[36][35][37] This robust architecture maintains a low center of gravity and high ground clearance of up to 17 inches, enhancing stability during high-speed maneuvers and obstacle traversal while preserving structural wholeness under dynamic stresses. Independent suspension integration with 14 inches of travel further bolsters the frame's ability to isolate vibrations and shocks, reducing fatigue in steel members over extended operational lifespans.[4][38]Powertrain and Drivetrain Innovations
Tomcar's powertrain innovations center on modular, rear-mounted configurations that prioritize component protection, serviceability, and weight distribution in extreme off-road conditions. By positioning the engine and transmission at the rear, the design shields vital elements from frontal debris and impacts while lowering the center of gravity and facilitating easier field maintenance without specialized tools.[13] This approach deviates from conventional front-engine UTV layouts, enabling driveshafts to transmit power forward to the axles and rear differential, which enhances overall vehicle stability during high-speed traversal of uneven terrain.[13] The TX series offers multiple powertrain variants, including a gasoline 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine sourced from General Motors, delivering 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in the 2025 model with liquid cooling and dual overhead cams.[36] Earlier TX iterations employed a similar 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit producing 107 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 80 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.[3] Diesel and fully electric options expand adaptability; the electric variant features a three-phase AC motor paired with Australian-manufactured batteries using platform-agnostic chemistry, developed in partnership with Energetique for rugged, high-torque output without reliance on traditional fuels.[39][40] Drivetrain advancements include a belt-type continuously variable transmission (CVT) with dual-range gearing (high/low) and reverse, integrated with sandwiched transfer cases that distribute power to front and rear differentials.[13][37] This system supports on-the-fly 2WD/4WD engagement, minimizing driver intervention and optimizing traction via selective torque vectoring across axles, which reduces mechanical complexity and weight compared to traditional geared manuals while maintaining reliability in dust, water, and mud.[36][13] The CVT's automatic operation further contributes to the drivetrain's innovation by eliminating shift interruptions, allowing seamless power delivery up to the vehicle's 50+ mph top speed in low-range scenarios.[41]Suspension and Terrain Capabilities
Tomcar vehicles, particularly the TX series, feature a four-wheel independent suspension system designed for superior off-road performance. The front suspension uses dual A-arms providing 14 inches of travel, while the rear employs trailing arms with 13.5 inches of travel, enabling the vehicle to articulate effectively over uneven surfaces.[3][41] This setup, often equipped with Fox Defense shocks, absorbs impacts from rough terrain while maintaining stability.[36] The suspension contributes to a 17-inch ground clearance, allowing Tomcar TX models to navigate obstacles such as rocks, ruts, and steep inclines without bottoming out. Combined with a low center of gravity and a 120-inch wheelbase, this design facilitates high-speed traversal of undulating landscapes, reducing the risk of rollover and enhancing driver confidence in demanding environments.[4][13] Independent wheel movement ensures all tires maintain contact with the ground, optimizing traction across varied terrains like sand, mud, and loose gravel.[4] Terrain capabilities are further bolstered by the vehicle's military-derived engineering, which prioritizes durability under extreme conditions. Testing and reviews indicate the system handles payloads exceeding 100% of vehicle weight without compromising ride quality, making it suitable for military logistics, industrial hauling, and recreational off-roading. The configuration minimizes bump steer and external component vulnerability, reducing maintenance needs in harsh operational theaters.[39][37][2]Vehicle Models
TM Series Legacy Models
The TM series formed the foundational lineup of Tomcar's off-road utility vehicles, evolving from military prototypes developed since 1967 for Israeli airborne commandos into commercially available models by the 1990s.[12] These vehicles emphasized extreme durability, with a space-frame chassis capable of withstanding high-impact stresses, and were designed for tasks requiring superior terrain traversal, including military logistics and industrial hauling.[42] Production focused on rear-engine layouts for balanced weight distribution, enabling ground clearances of up to 13 inches and tire sizes of 12 inches for obstacle negotiation.[16] Key variants included the TM-2 (two-seater passenger configuration), TM-4 (four-seater), TM-U2 (two-seater utility with expanded cargo bed), and TM-6 (six-seater for crew transport), with the TM-5 serving as a specialized five-passenger model often adapted for defense applications.[12][42] Powertrain options comprised gasoline four-stroke engines, such as a 725 cc unit for early models, or diesel variants like the 1.4-liter Kohler four-cylinder producing 26 kW (35 hp) and 84 Nm torque.[43][16] Diesel-equipped TM models offered payloads around 907–1,000 kg (2,000 lbs), dry weights of approximately 836–840 kg (1,841–1,848 lbs), and towing capacities up to 859 kg (1,894 lbs).[44][45] Gasoline versions provided slightly lower payload ratings of about 870 kg (1,920 lbs) due to fuel system differences.[44] In 2017, TM series pricing ranged from $19,450 for base two-seater models to $46,500 for higher-capacity variants, reflecting custom military-grade reinforcements available at additional cost.[12] The series prioritized simplicity for field repairs, with modular components and no reliance on complex electronics, contributing to its adoption in remote operations; however, it was gradually phased out in the late 2010s as Tomcar shifted to the more advanced TX platform with enhanced suspension and power outputs.[46][39]TX Series (2010s–Present)
The TX Series comprises Tomcar's contemporary lineup of multi-purpose all-terrain vehicles (UTVs), launched in late 2018 as a declassified military-derived platform optimized for extreme off-road utility.[47] Designed with a fully welded steel frame and roll cage for structural integrity, these vehicles emphasize payload capacity, terrain versatility, and modular adaptability for both military and civilian applications.[39] The series bridges traditional 4x4 trucks and lighter side-by-sides, incorporating independent suspension and high ground clearance to handle payloads exceeding vehicle weight.[13] Initial models, such as the TX and TX4, utilized a rear-mounted 1.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine producing 107 horsepower and 80 pound-feet of torque, paired with on-the-fly 2WD/4WD shifting and achieving 17 inches of ground clearance with 14 inches of wheel travel.[41] The TX4 variant specifically offered a 2,500-pound payload and 5,000-pound towing capacity while accommodating up to four occupants, retaining compact dimensions of approximately 159 inches in length, 72 inches in width, and 68 inches in height.[3] These specifications enabled operations on 60-degree inclines and survival in high-impact scenarios like parachute drops, drawing from Tomcar's Israeli military heritage dating to 1967.[48] [45] By 2025, the TX Series evolved to include powertrain options such as a 1.5-liter General Motors turbocharged inline-four delivering 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, alongside plug-in electric variants with a 3-phase AC motor.[39] This update enhanced performance for commercial and recreational users, maintaining core features like low center-of-gravity stability and modular cargo beds while broadening accessibility through pre-order civilian sales.[36] The series' engineering prioritizes year-round durability, with liquid-cooled engines and electronic differentials suited for industrial hauling and defense logistics.[37]Model Variants and Customizations
The TX series encompasses variants differentiated primarily by seating capacity, wheelbase, and cargo configuration, enabling adaptation to diverse operational requirements. The TX3 features two seats with a large rear cargo tray optimized for payload-intensive tasks, while the TX4 accommodates four seats across a 120-inch wheelbase, balancing passenger transport and utility with a 2,500-pound payload capacity.[3][37] The TX5, a compact two-seater with a 106-inch wheelbase and smaller cargo area, prioritizes maneuverability in confined terrains.[37][38] The 2025 TX model introduces enhanced modularity, allowing reconfiguration from two to five seats using basic tools, which supersedes rigid variant distinctions in favor of user-driven adaptability.[36] Powertrain options include a 1.5-liter General Motors turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, or an electric variant with a three-phase AC plug-in motor providing 120 horsepower, 175 lb-ft of torque, and approximately 100 miles of range.[36] Customization extends to structural and accessory enhancements, such as automotive windshields, half or full doors, LED light bars, roof canopies, and 10,000-pound winches, alongside custom colors and specialized tire selections.[36][49] In military applications, vehicles support integration of autonomous components, on-the-fly 2WD/4WD switching, and role-specific modifications like ultra-high payload adaptations or airdrop compatibility, leveraging the modular frame for tool-free reconfigurations.[35] Commercial customizations tailor vehicles for sectors including mining, agriculture, and emergency response, with engineered options for non-standard loads and renewable components to minimize maintenance.[50] All variants maintain a fully welded high-grade steel frame with lifetime warranty, 17 inches of ground clearance, and up to 14 inches of suspension travel.[36][35]| Variant | Seating | Wheelbase (inches) | Key Configuration | Starting Price (2020, USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TX3 | 2 | 120 | Large cargo tray | 35,900 |
| TX4 | 4 | 120 | Passenger-focused with cargo | 37,300 |
| TX5 | 2 | 106 | Compact cargo | 34,900 |