Arctic Trucks

What Arctic Trucks does

Arctic Trucks is an Icelandic-founded specialist vehicle engineering company that re-engineers production 4x4 platforms from major OEMs (Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Isuzu, Mercedes, Lexus, VW, Iveco) for operation in extreme environments, including polar regions, deserts, high-altitude terrain, and rugged off-road conditions. Core technical assets include proprietary low-air-pressure tyre systems ranging from 32 to 44 inches, internal tyre inflation systems, bespoke suspension co-developed with Dakar-winning R53 specialists, reinforced underbody armour, signature widebody fender flares, and extended fuel tanks for long-range polar operations. The AT designation system (AT32, AT35, AT37, AT38, AT39, AT44) communicates tyre size and signals a tiered product portfolio spanning consumer off-roaders (Isuzu D-Max AT35 at £47,999 CVOTR), commercial platforms, and purpose-built polar expedition vehicles. Documented performance claims include vehicles traveling 3x faster than belt vehicles in Antarctica while consuming 1/6th of the fuel, with over 277,000 km of logged Antarctic mileage.

The company operates a multi-channel revenue model combining one-time vehicle sales and conversions (sold through authorized Toyota dealership networks and direct customer conversions), parts and accessories (via the arctictrucks.shop e-commerce storefront), expedition logistics and exploration services for government and commercial clients, and an experiential travel business (Arctic Trucks Experience) in Iceland. Customers include multiple national Antarctic programmes (KOPRI, India, Germany, Sweden, Finland, China), the luxury tour operator White Desert, and OEM partners (Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai) for whom Arctic Trucks builds extreme-mobility versions of production vehicles, including the 2023 Nissan Ariya AT39 for the Pole to Pole EV expedition. Founded by Emil Grímsson and headquartered in Reykjavík, Arctic Trucks operates internationally with offices in the UK, Norway, Finland, Poland, Russia, the UAE, and the US, employs 11-50 people, and is privately held with no disclosed institutional ownership beyond modest Icelandic development funding totaling approximately USD 4.3M between 2013 and 2015.

Name

Arctic Trucks

Legal name

Arctic Trucks Limited

Website

https://arctictrucks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Arctic Trucks is an Icelandic specialist vehicle engineer that re-engineers production 4x4 platforms from major OEMs for extreme environments, serving national Antarctic programmes, OEM partners, and adventure-tourism customers across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Off-Road Vehicle Modification Services

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing (3361)

SIC

Truck & Bus Bodies (3713)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Truck Manufacturing (Fire/Rescue/Military-Commercial/Expedition) (IMACABAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Class 1–3 Commercial Trucks (Light/Medium Duty) Manufacturing (IMACABAA)

Keywords

• Off-road vehicle conversions
• Polar expedition vehicles
• Extreme terrain 4x4s
• Vehicle modification services
• Arctic transportation equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Reykjavík

HQ country

Iceland

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Vehicle Sales and Conversions: Sale of re-engineered extreme mobility vehicles and conversion services for various 4x4 platforms including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Isuzu, Mercedes, Lexus, VW, and Iveco. Vehicles are sold through dealership networks and direct conversions with various AT designations (AT35, AT37, AT38, AT39, AT44) indicating tyre size.
2. Parts and Accessories: Sale of tried-and-tested Arctic Trucks parts and accessories for owners, operators, and off-road enthusiasts to enhance vehicle performance and appearance.
3. Expedition Services: Specialized expedition logistic solutions, exploration training, and vehicle support services for scientific research, government programs, and commercial expeditions in polar and extreme environments.
4. Arctic Trucks Experience Travel: Guided adventure travel experiences in Iceland including self-drive adventures, winter experiences, and polar expeditions with customers driving modified Arctic Trucks vehicles. Awarded Trip Advisor Award for experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Arctic Trucks re-engineers production 4x4 vehicles from Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Isuzu, Mercedes, Iveco, VW and Lexus into extreme-condition, polar-rated vehicles fitted with proprietary large low-pressure AT tire systems (AT32 to AT44), R53 co-developed suspension, underbody armour, extended fuel tanks and widened bodywork. The company sells complete converted vehicles through its dealership and Authorized Conversion Partner network, supplies parts and accessories via its online store, and operates the Arctic Trucks Experience guided travel program alongside bespoke exploration services for commercial and government clients.

Product overview

Arctic Trucks is a specialist vehicle engineering company that re-engineers and converts modern 4x4 vehicles (Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Isuzu, Mercedes, Lexus, VW, Iveco) for extreme conditions and polar expeditions. The core product portfolio consists of modified pickup trucks and SUVs with Arctic Trucks' signature enhancements including large low-pressure tires (35-44 inch), bespoke suspension systems, reinforced underbody armour, and widened bodywork. Key models include Toyota Land Cruiser 250/Prado AT37, Toyota Hilux AT35/AT38/AT44, Nissan Ariya AT39 (electric), Nissan Navarra AT32, Isuzu D-Max AT35, and Ford F150 AT44. The company also offers specialized Polar expedition vehicles with features like internal tire inflation systems and extended fuel tanks, a parts and accessories range, Arctic Trucks Experience guided travel adventures in Iceland, and exploration logistic services. The product ecosystem spans from consumer/off-road enthusiast offerings through to professional expedition vehicles for scientific research programs in Antarctica.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AT Polar: Polar expedition vehicles and services for Antarctic operations
• ATOC (Arctic Trucks Owners Club)

Products and services

• Toyota Land Cruiser 250 (Prado) AT37 Factory-converted Toyota Land Cruiser 250 (Prado) fitted with the AT37 low-pressure tire system, widened bodywork and AT-spec suspension; targeted at government, commercial and adventure-consumer buyers needing a mid-size polar-rated SUV.
• Nissan Ariya AT39 Electric SUV conversion of the Nissan Ariya built around the AT39 tire package; aimed at government, research and consumer customers requiring a zero-emission, extreme-condition platform.
• Toyota Hilux AT38 Pickup variant of the iconic Hilux with the AT38 low-pressure tire system, R53-derived suspension, underbody armour and widened bodywork; flagship commercial, expedition and consumer platform.
• Toyota Hilux AT44 Heaviest-duty Hilux conversion with 44-inch AT low-pressure tires, used as the basis for programs such as the North Pole Caminada expedition; aimed at high-payload polar operations.
• Isuzu D-Max AT35 Mid-size Isuzu D-Max pickup fitted with the AT35 tire system, Arctic Trucks body and suspension upgrades; positioned as a lighter-duty, more fuel-efficient alternative to the Hilux platform.
• Ford F-150 AT44 Full-size Ford F-150 pickup upgraded with the AT44 low-pressure tire system and Arctic Trucks engineering package; targeted at North American commercial and high-end consumer buyers requiring maximum payload and ground clearance.
• Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 Entry-level AT32 conversion of the Nissan Navara pickup, providing an accessible extreme-condition pickup with smaller-tire geometry for adventure and commercial use.
• Toyota Fortuner Conversion Toyota Fortuner SUV upgraded with Arctic Trucks AT tire, suspension and bodywork packages for markets where the Fortuner is the primary Toyota SUV platform.
• Iveco Daily 4x4 Conversion 4x4-converted Iveco Daily light commercial van, designed for commercial operators needing high-payload, cold-rated people and equipment transport in remote sites.
• Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 Conversion Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van converted with 4x4 capability and Arctic Trucks AT-spec upgrades; used as an expedition and high-end overland camper platform for commercial and consumer clients.
• Lexus LX 570 Conversion Premium Lexus LX 570 SUV upgraded with Arctic Trucks AT tire and suspension packages, combining luxury on-road comfort with extreme-condition capability for high-end consumer buyers.
• Volkswagen Amarok Conversion

Quantifiable outcome

• Vehicles travel 3x faster than traditional belt vehicles in Antarctica
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• R53 SuspensioncoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Dakar-winning suspension specialists partnered with Arctic Trucks for development of 3-way adjustable performance suspension systems. Features monotube dampers with multiple levels of adjustability, hard chrome steel shafts, and hydraulic bump stops.
• CFAO (Africa) / Toyota AfricacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Toyota Africa distributor collaborated with Arctic Trucks on Land Cruiser 250/PRADO AT37 development. Thomas Cogez, TOYOTA Sales and Marketing Director from CFAO (Africa) announced the collaboration to deliver next-level driving experience redefining performance and durability in African terrains.
• ToyotacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Arctic Trucks originally founded in 1990 as a special vehicles division of Toyota. Long-standing association with Toyota's legendary Land Cruiser. Official Toyota partner in multiple regions for vehicle conversions.
• NissanflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2023Strategic partnership for Nissan Ariya AT39 e-4ORCE development - Arctic Trucks' first EV construction. Arctic Trucks designed and developed the adventure-ready version of Nissan's Ariya all-electric crossover for the historic 17,000-mile Pole to Pole expedition from Magnetic North Pole to South Pole. The vehicle retained factory standard drivetrain and battery.
• BFGoodrichcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2023Official expedition tyre partner providing 39-inch All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres for the Nissan Ariya AT39. BFGoodrich tyres were specified on multiple Arctic Trucks expedition vehicles for their aggressive traction capabilities.
• Hyundai MotorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2023Facilitated 30-day expedition with Patrick and small team covering almost 5,800km in Toyota Land Cruiser 250/PRADO AT37. Also previously commissioned Arctic Trucks to build the world-famous Hyundai AT38 Santa Fe for Shackleton expedition.
• GoodGear (Transglobal Car Expedition)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 August 2022Swiss non-profit organization seeking to bring innovative technologies to locations around the world for betterment of local communities. Arctic Trucks AT44 F-150 vehicle was part of the Transglobal Car Expedition. Emil Grímsson served as Icelandic team member and principal of Arctic Trucks participated in vehicle recovery operation.
• iKamperminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 July 2022Official partnership with award-winning mobile camping innovators iKamper. Initial focus on widening sales and distribution of iKamper products throughout the UK including customer experience area in Arctic Trucks showroom near the Cotswolds. Both companies share passion for safely enjoying rugged natural environments.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• American Expedition Vehicles (AEV): AEV converts Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator and Ram trucks into fully engineered overland/expedition-spec vehicles in the US — a near-identical business model to Arctic Trucks (OEM-platform take, off-road engineering, expedition-grade upgrades). It is the closest direct US analogue and a head-to-head competitor in the upfitted extreme 4x4 category.
• Delta 4x4: French-based specialist that modifies Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger and other pickups/SUVs with lifted suspension, larger wheels and expedition accessories for the European retail market. Same upfitter business model targeting individual off-road enthusiasts.
• Patriot Campers: Australian expedition-vehicle manufacturer building modified Ford Ranger, Toyota Land Cruiser and camper platforms for outback and adventure use. Comparable as a specialist that converts OEM pickups into expedition vehicles for both retail and government/tour-operator buyers in remote environments.
• Chelsea Truck Company (Kahn Design): UK-based modifier that re-engineers Land Rover Defenders, Toyota Land Cruisers and other 4x4s into luxury/cosmetic and off-road-enhanced variants. Same OEM-platform upfit model, similar UK showroom footprint (Cotswolds area), and overlapping retail 4x4 enthusiast customer base.
• Earthroamer: Earthroamer builds expedition-grade vehicles on Ford F-Series chassis for long-distance off-grid travel and supplies to adventure/government customers worldwide. Directly comparable as a low-volume specialist manufacturer of expedition vehicles serving remote-environment operators — overlapping with Arctic Trucks' polar-vehicle and tour-operator customer base.

Emerging players

• EarthCamper (Jeep-based camper conversions): Specialist converting SUVs and pickup trucks into expedition/camper vehicles for adventure travel. Similar low-volume specialist upfitter model and end customer (adventure tourism/individual enthusiasts), though smaller scale and primarily Japan-focused.
• Rezvani Motors: US-based low-volume manufacturer of expedition-grade and tactical SUVs (Rezvani Vengeance, Tank) on Jeep/other platforms. Comparable as a niche manufacturer combining luxury with off-road/polar capability and a similar price-point positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Manhart Performance: German specialist tuning BMW, Mercedes, Toyota Supra and other platforms for performance/luxury buyers. Comparable upfitter business model with broader product reach (mostly on-road performance) rather than Arctic Trucks' off-road/expedition specialization.
• Brabus: Germany-based high-end modifier of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Range Rover vehicles into luxury/performance variants. Comparable as a multi-platform luxury upfitter with broader portfolio and much larger scale than Arctic Trucks, but operates the same "OEM-platform + bespoke engineering + premium pricing" GTM.

Others

• BFGoodrich (expedition tire program): Arctic Trucks' official expedition tire partner supplying All-Terrain T/A KO2 and KO3 tyres for AT37, AT39 and AT44 builds. Adjacent ecosystem participant — not a competitor, but a critical partner whose products are co-marketed with Arctic Trucks vehicles.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/arctictrucks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arctic-trucks
• Instagraminstagram.com/arctictrucks
• Xx.com/arctictrucks

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Arctic Trucks