The Mercedes Gelaendewagen (Wolf) is the replacement for the much maligned Iltis.
In Oct 12, 2003 the Forces signed a contract worth $126 million with Mercedes Benz Canada for 802 vehicles to be delivered in the summer of 2004. While $126 million might sound high for only 802 vehicles, military contracts also include replacement parts.
According to the Ottawa Citizen, 60 vehicles are to be delivered in February 2004 and 40 more in March. Lieut. Diane Grover, a Forces spokeswoman, said there was an opening in the Mercedes production line, and the Forces were able to "take advantage in a production run."
March 5, 2004: The first batch of 18 are in Afghanistan. Some facts from an Ottawa Citizen article:
Still Under Construction