Iveco Trucks New Zealand is the fastest growing commercial vehicle brand in the country, and enjoyed its best sales results on record in 2016, increasing volume by almost 63%. Their sales results were particularly strong in the light duty (4.5t plus) market, as well as in 6×4 trucks, propelling the brand from 12th position at the end of 2015 to 7th placing last year.
Iveco Trucks New Zealand general manager, Ian Walker, says the strong showing could be attributed to a number of factors, adding, “Iveco Trucks New Zealand is here for the long term and operators will be seeing a lot more of our vehicles out on the roads this year and beyond.”
At THE Expo yesterday, Iveco indicated their commitment to the local market by showcasing a number of new and ‘work ready‘ models for New Zealand. The exhibits included the southern hemisphere debut of the Eurocargo ML 160E28 Euro 6, the 2016 International Truck of the Year, and the New Zealand launch of the Trakker 6×4.
Eurocargo
The new Eurocargo features a redesigned cab, new engine and plenty of safety features. The models come in a variety of specifications ranging from 12 to 22t GVM, in both 4×2 and 6×2 configurations and with day, sleeper and crew cab variants.
A new 6.7 litre engine, in either 250 or 280hp powers the truck. Dubbed the Tector 7, the Euro 6 engine is well ahead of legislation demanding the emission standard and features a HI-SCR system, which Iveco claim, is simple, lightweight, efficient and provides many benefits including reduced fuel consumption and tare compared to EGR and SCR equivalents. The system does not require driver regeneration.
The choice of a manual ZF 9-speed overdrive gearbox, or an Allison S3000, 5-speed full automatic is available.
Trakker 6×4
The AD450 6×4 joins existing Trakker 6×6 and 4×4 variants. Iveco say the new model is suited to work such as quarry, tipper, agricultural and forestry applications, they believe it will suit operators who do not require drive to all six axles but still need more traction, lower off-road gearing and greater articulation than road-biased trucks provide.
Powering the vehicle is the Cursor 13 SCR engine producing 450hp and 2200Nm of torque at a low 1000rpm. Coupled to the power plant as standard is a 16-speed ZF ECOSHIFT manual. Iveco‘s 16-speed Eurotonic II AMT is available as an option.
Rear axles on the model feature hub reduction and diff locks, while a cantilever suspension system combined with good articulation ensures the wheels are likely to remain in contact with the ground.
Iveco New Zealand product, marketing and network development manager, Kristi Walker, says the AD450 Trakker 6×4 is receiving strong praise from customers who had already taken delivery of early units. “The Trakker AD450 6×4 meets a market for an uncomplicated cab chassis that is suited to multiple tasks, where the predominate requirements are ease of operation, strength of chassis and running gear, long term low cost of ownership and affordable pricing.”