Steyr passes van line to Achleitner

Steyr Bus of Vienna has transferred its mobile imaging systemsbusiness to Achleitner of Tirol, another Austrian van manufacturer.Achleitner hired related Steyr technical personnel and will continuedevelopment, manufacturing and marketing of mobile medical imagingvans in Europe, said Karl A. Skrivanek, group marketing directorfor Steyr-Daimler-Puch.

Skrivanek was previously division manager of new products andmobile medical units for Steyr Bus and was instrumental in thedevelopment of Steyr's mobile imaging business (SCAN 8/30/89).He will continue to work with Achleitner to ensure a smooth transitionand continuity in customer service. Achleitner had supplied shellsfor Steyr mobile imaging vans.

The decision by Steyr to exit the imaging van business wasa result of internal company developments and not a reflectionon the potential market for mobile imaging in Europe. Comparedto the U.S. market, however, European proliferation of mobileshared imaging services is slow. Government regulations and practicepreferences have restricted demand for mobile shared imaging services,Skrivanek said.

Volvo of Sweden purchased majority control of Steyr Bus, asubsidiary of Steyr-Daimler-Puch, last year. Volvo decided tofocus Steyr's resources on larger volume bus production. The custommedical imaging van business, which involves manufacture of lessthan 10 units a year, was considered too small.

"It would be a pity if this (medical van) know-how werelost, so we decided to enter into an agreement with another party.We knew they (Achleitner) were willing and able to do it,"Skrivanek said. "This know-how is now available to Achleitner,and they are going to work as we have with all our customers andOEM suppliers. There will not be any difference."

Reciprocal terms of the business transfer were not disclosed.

With its base in Austria, Achleitner is well positioned tocapture and service emerging mobile imaging demand in EasternEurope, Skrivanek said.

"There are good possibilities for the mobile businessin the eastern countries. They will start with mobile CT. MobileMRI is far away. There are only one or two CTs in some of thesecountries, and they need others. But they don't have the specialiststo work with MR, and it costs too much," he said.