Medium-duty Iveco additions to be put to metro general freight work
Simon National Carriers (SNC) has added five new Iveco Eurocargo ML160s to its fleet ahead of Christmas.
The trucks are fitted with tautliner bodies and will be put to work in general freight applications in the greater Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide metropolitan areas.
The new Eurocargos are powered by a Euro 6, 6.7-litre 6-cylinder engine producing 280hp and 1,000Nm of torque from 1,250rpm.
Matched to the engines are Allison 5-speed full automatic transmissions.
A patented ‘Hi-SCR’ [selective catalytic reduction] emission control system features a passive diesel particulate filter that doesn’t need driver intervention and offers reduced weight and lower fuel consumption compared to more traditional systems.
SNC national operations manager Michael West says this is the company’s first foray into Iveco’s medium duty range.
“We’ve previously operated some of the larger Iveco trucks, but never in the medium duty section of our fleet,” West says.
“The Eurocargo was extremely attractive to us particularly from a safety and emissions perspective, they have features and equipment that our current Japanese models can’t match.”
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SNC notes a focus on safety and compliance has also seen it implement a number of initiatives, including speed limiting trucks to a maximum of 90 km/h to reduce fuel consumption and minimise the risk of high speed accidents, and a driver monitoring system.
West says the Eurocargo’s safety package, including full suite of active safety features, adds to the appeal.
“We owe it to our drivers and to other road users to provide the safest vehicles possible,” he says.
“As well as features such as driver airbag and Electronic Stability Program, the Eurocargo has all the latest technology that can help minimise the chance of an accident – features like Advanced Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning can go a long way if a driver becomes momentarily distracted.”
The new trucks will make multiple drops per day throughout the course of the delivery route.
“The Eurocargo’s low chassis makes it easier and safer for the driver to access the tray to unload. It’s a similar situation with the cabin, it’s easy to get in and out of and during the course of a busy day with lots of deliveries, it’s less tiring on our drivers,” West says.
“The cabin is well appointed as well, those that have driven the trucks so far have commented on how comfortable and quiet they are.”
SNC also values Iveco’s local manufacturing element.
“As a long-term privately-owned Australian company, Simon National Carriers really values local businesses and local manufacturing,” West says.
