FAUN Transitional Years; FAUN Universal, Takeover of KUKA     The FAUN-Sita continuous-loading body had proven to be a good choice, and helped FAUN stay competitive through the 1970s. Eventually these became known as the FAUN City series when they were joined by a modern slide-sweep packer around 1980. The FHP 'Universal' appears to have been based on the Haller X2-series, although there are some subtle differences. It is not known if these were licensed from Haller, or just close copies. The Universal was marketed by FAUN for use in residential or commercial service. At least one example of a FAUN Colectomatic is known to have been built, being based on the American Heil Mark IV design.     All of this was eclipsed in 1983 with the takeover of KUKA Umwelttechnik, Augsburg, one the oldest and most popular refuse truck lines in Germany. This acquisition would herald FAUN's rise to the top of the European refuse body market. Production of the KUKA bodies was moved to Osterholtz, and assimilated briefly under the FAUN-KUKA banner. This included the Rotopress, Variopress and Bullpress 212 models, as well as the SITA-designed paddle packer. The FHP Universal rear loader was made redundant, and was discontinued. The SITA models followed suit by mid-decade. The remaining products eventually dropped the hyphenated KUKA name, and were marketed simply as FAUN. FAUN FHP 'Universal', was very similar to the Haller X2 design Universal with 1,100 liter binlift Universal with combination-type binlift Universal discharging its load 1983: FAUN-Sita 1600, re-named the 'City'.... ...then changed names again to 'City Press', now with FAUN-KUKA badges FAUN-KUKA Rotopress brought in one of the oldest and best-selling continuous-type loaders in the industry FAUN-KUKA Type 211 Variopress; now FAUN also had their own residential slide-sweep rear loader Another 211 Variopress with a rear adapter for various interchangeable binlift systems The FAUN-KUKA Type 212 Bull Press, a commercial rear loader. Note how the 'KUKA' name has been painted over on the front and sides. This is commonly seen on surviving FAUN-KUKA bodies, and was likely done by service stations as the FAUN name became the primary brand identity. SELECTED PATENTS Patent # Description Inventor Assignee Date DE7931301 Mullwagen (unknown) FAUN Werke November 6, 1979 REFERENCES KUKA album at Classic Refuse Trucks Heil album at Classic Refuse Trucks (Chapter 18, Heil Mark IV rear loader) 8/23/15 (revised 4/2/23) © 2015, 2023 All Rights Reserved Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers Photos from factory brochures/trade advertisements except as noted