Steyr-Daimier-PuchSpeziaifahrzeug GmbH originally developed the Pandur 6x6 armoured personnel carrier (APC) as a private venture. Since then, orders have been received for almost 300 vehicles.

Pandur's design is such that it can easily be adapted for a wide range of roles as well as being fitted with different weapon systems, up to a two-person turret armed with a 90mm gun.

Different variants are available, including: anti-tank with various types of missiles; command post; internal security; 81 mm or 120mm mortar carrier; reconnaissance; and repair and recovery. Some of these versions, such as the ambulance, have a higher roofline and one version has a longer wheelbase for greater internal volume.

A special amphibious model also exists.Two water jets mounted either side at the back propel the vehicle through water at 11 km/h.

Standard equipment includes run-flat tyres, a central tyre-pressure regulation system as well as the automatic drive train management system, which automatically engages and disengages the longitudinal and axle differentials to suit the terrain being crossed.

A wide range of optional equipment is available for the Pandur, including a nuclear, biological and chemical defensive system, air-conditioning system, additional armour, night-vision equipment and a land navigation system.

Further development has resulted in the Pandur II series, which is being marketed in both 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 configurations. This contains a significant number of improvements: the 6 x 6 model can be fitted with turrets armed with up to 90mm guns, while the 8 x 8 version can have turrets armed with weapons up to 105mm. Both of these vehicles share 90% common components to reduce procurement costs and are powered by a 405hp (450hp for the 8x8) Cummins diesel coupled to a ZF automatic transmission.