The month of April marks EarthCruisers 10th year anniversary, and we have some really big plans ahead. But first a little bit recognition of our history.
The company was originally founded on April 1, 2008 by Lance Gillies. Growing up in Australia, Lance had an extensive background in off-road driving and building 4×4 vehicles. EarthCruiser was originally designed to meet his specific needs for an overland expedition vehicle that could go anywhere and was comfortable enough for two people to live for extended periods of time. After extensive research and development, the EarthCruiser design was born. The initial successful testing of the prototype EarthCruiser included crossing 700 kilometers of sand dunes leading to the remote Dragon Tree Soak in the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia. The prototype was then taken overseas for more testing and an arduous yet exciting 27,000 kilometers trip across Russia and Mongolia which included two crossings of the notorious “Road of Bones”, a swampy tundra track from Yakutsk to Magadan.
Recognition of the expedition truck grew and Lance began manufacturing what we know now as EarthCruisers, making them available to buyers across the globe. The company maintained a focus on quality and innovation primarily operating out of Brisbane Australia until 2013 when Lance decided to expand the company to the United States. The company now has manufacturing facilities in two countries, and is expanding distribution for customers across the globe.
In celebration of our 10th anniversary, EarthCruiser USA is building four limited edition expedition vehicles that come fully outfitted with features used in the original EarthCruiser, and a very special, modern trim package with exclusive badging. Custom seats were developed in partnership with Scheel-mann in Germany, which allow full adjust ability and added comfort on long treks. These trucks will include options and accessories as standard equipment, some not available on other models. These limited release vehicles are only available on a first come first served basis.
We also plan to release a new model in our pop-up truck camper series at Overland Expo West in May 2018. The MOD, as we call it, maintains the ultra-durable, one piece composite shell, but is available in custom painted colors to match the vehicle. The most important feature is an interior that offers more option flexibility for customers. Currently it is being shown as a proto-type, with plans to be available for purchase later this year.
Another concept due to release in 2018 is a smaller version of the flagship EarthCruiser EXP, which will be designed to fit on the flat bed of a one ton pickup truck. This concept will have a power lifting roof, interior bathroom with shower, kitchen, and convertible rear dinette that turns into a bed. In the words of Lance “I am very excited about this new product, as it shows we are listening to customers who have been asking about a version for popular US trucks.” Hopefully you are equally excited about this news!
