An order for 52 DaimlerChrysler Atego fire trucks fitted with Allison 3000 series transmissions has been made by the Hamburg Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Germany's second largest fire fighting force.

40 of the vehicles will be in operation in Hamburg during the 32-day World Cup festival when tens of thousands of fans will descend upon the city. The final 12 high performance, low maintenance vehicles will arrive by 2007 to complete the order.

Hamburg fire fighters are delighted with the new vehicles which have arrived at a critical time for them.

"Optimum operating conditions are the most important prerequisite to working effectively. This includes using modern equipment of the highest technical standard," says Hermann Jonas, head of the voluntary fire brigade in Hamburg.

The high speed, responsive vehicles experience minimal down time and will reliably play a critical role in ensuring the welfare of the temporarily inflated city population.

With a record 32 teams qualifying for this year's World Cup, the number of FIFA visitors expected to arrive in each of the 12 host cities between 8th June and 9th July when the matches take place is expected to reach an all time high.