After successful EVO 3 rally trucks, MM Technology is ready to take to the track with a trio of new EVO 4 trucks. This evolution brings improvements to the chassis, ride comfort and, most importantly, reliability and durability. The MM Technology fleet will now consist of 12 active trucks operating in teams across Europe.

Development must go forward

After the success of the rally truck called Cenda, officially designated as the EVO 3, at Dakar 2024, it was time for the next step in truck development at the MM Technology centre in Sedlcany, Czech Republic. The new evolution of the bonnet trucks (EVO 4) has just been launched, and although on the surface it doesn’t seem to be revolutionary, from a technological point of view it is a very significant advancement over the previous evolution.

A rich history spanning multiple platforms

MM Technology has been developing and building special rally trucks since 2002, over 22 years. Historically, there have been two platforms that have undergone development, i.e. evolution, over several years. The first platform was the legendary LIAZ, the latest incarnation of which is called Frank, who is still winning trophies in prestigious races such as the Baja Aragon 2024. The second platform since 2019 is the bonnet truck, the latest version of which, marked EVO 3, is proudly represented by truck called Cenda, the winner of the Dakar 2024. The current platform can be distinguished from the previous one at first glance thanks to its completely different appearance and extended bonnet.

The new challenger is called EVO 4

The development of rally trucks must never stagnate, which is why a new evolution was born this year. Visually, the EVO 4 is still the same type of truck – in terms of design, only minor changes have been made, such as transitions between body parts, different lights on the cabin, cargo sidewalls mounting, etc. But the biggest evolution has been in terms of technology, i.e. under the bodywork. The brand-new machine, which will be used not only by Martin Macik Jr. at the Dakar 2025, has improved weight distribution, stability, reliability and durability of individual parts, and the chassis, which is being developed continuously, has also been improved.

“The main focus in the development of the EVO 4 was to increase the reliability and durability of the individual parts, which is very important in a Dakar-type race. You don’t have round-the-clock maintenance, and it is desirable that the parts can withstand as much stress as possible for as long as possible, both mechanically and in terms of temperature fluctuations. Another important aspect for us was the comfort of the crew and overall stability. Our platform is rather low, and we use strong springs, which, while providing extreme stability for the entire truck, limit the comfort level in the cabin. Comfort is something you will appreciate over hundreds of kilometres of rough terrain, because if you physically overload the crew immediately after the first stage, the whole race becomes even more challenging.”, explains Martin Macik Sr., Head of MM Technology and Head of Development, the reasons for the main improvements.

MM Technology trucks are taking Europe by storm

A total of 3 trucks with the EVO 4 designation will be coming out of the MM Technology centre this year. Martin Macik Jr., who is very much looking forward to the new machinery, will be taking part in the Dakar 2025 with one of them, which will soon be launched in a new design. “Of the three new trucks, one was built specifically for me and our factory crew. I can’t wait to get in it. The second will go to Mitchel van den Brink and the third? That one already has an owner too, but we’ll keep who that is to ourselves for a little bit longer,” he says. In total, MM Technology have built 12 trucks that will actively represent rally teams across Europe.

The battle of evolutions at Dakar

Dakar 2025 is approaching fast, and MM Technology will be represented as a truck manufacturer in greater numbers than in previous years. There will also be a showdown between the previous EVO 3 and the newest EVO 4, which is sure to provide many interesting moments. Before all the vehicles head to Barcelona for scrutineering, we will learn not only the destination of the third new truck, but also the final design and name of the machine with which Martin Macik Jr. will set off to defend his Dakar title.