Developed by Rhodesian Army Workshops and built by Zambesi Coachworks, the MAP (Mine & Ambush Protected) 4.5 Vehicles were built almost immediately after the successful MAP 7.5 Vehicle. This new MAP was lighter and smaller than the "Seven-Five", instead utilizing the Mercedes-Benz MB L911B 4.5 ton 4x4 truck as its automotive base.  One should note that these Mercedes Trucks were rebadged as "RODEF" vehicles so as to aid in disguising their source in order to circumvent the International Arms Embargo in place at the time.

Besides using a lighter chassis, the new vehicles were also fitted with slightly different armored hulls than the ones mounted on its larger brothers. The new hulls were both shorter in length and lower in height.  In addition, unlike its closely related predecessor, this vehicle resulted in only two (2) variants.  As usual, the main version of this MAP was the Troop Carrying Vehicle (TCV), but it also spawned a Command Vehicle as well.  The Command version differed from the TCV as it had its rear hull heighted and some sported roofs.  

* The name of this vehicle is alternately written as MAP 4.5 or 45.