The amphibious V-150 and V-150S entered service with the Republic of China (ROC: Taiwan) Army in 1981 replacing the aged M2 armored half-track. Prior to service with the ROC Army, the V-150 saw its baptism of fire in Vietnam where they were deployed for patrol, convoy protection, and base defense duties.
The armor of the V-150 could only take the impact of a NATO 7.62mm round (or equivalent). In addition, restrictions on arms procurements placed on Taiwan in 1982 by Communiqué 817 made the development of an IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) a necessity to counter modern adversaries.
Under the recommendation of United States, engineers from the ROC Armored Vehicle Development Center (AVDC) were sent to Timoney Technology Limited in Ireland to receive training on the techniques of designing wheeled IFV’s. In 1992 AVDC engineers completed a prototype six-wheeled IFV, designated the CM31. In addition to the driver and commander, the CM31 was designed to carry up to 10 infantry with front armor capable of withstanding the Russian-made 14.5mm projectile.
By this time, however, eight-wheeled IFVs had become the worldwide trend. Aside from its limited ability as a troop carrier, the mobility of six-wheeled IFV’s isn’t comparable to that of an eight wheeled vehicles. In addition, upgrades, modifications, and the ability to be armed with a turreted, large caliber gun are all limited with 6-wheeled designs hence the CM31 was not accepted by the ROC Army.