sentences:  The war years were characterised by a desperate shortage of raw materials for civilian industry and of petrol.In 1940 Chenard & Walcker presented the prototype for a light van based ambulance intended for the army, and this vehicle turned out to be the first in a long line of forward control light vans.By 1941 the van was listed for civilian use, powered by a compact two-stroke water-cooled engine which occupied a central position between the driver's right leg and the left leg of his passenger.