The Petronas De Rooy Iveco team won the rally with the Dutchman Gerard De Rooy, driving an Iveco Powerstar, a vehicle produced and sold by Iveco in Australia. The Iveco Powerstar was equipped with an FPT Industrial C13 engine, with more than 900 horsepower, and Magneti Marelli parts. Behind De Rooy, the other pilots of the team, Stacey and Biasion drove two Iveco Trakker Evolution 2s, also equipped with the same engine. The three vehicles, while adapted to the extreme conditions of the rally, were standard trucks optimised for best-in-class energy efficiency.

Iveco CEO, Alfredo Altavilla, commented: “The Iveco participation in the Dakar 2012 aimed to confirm once more the excellent reliability of the Iveco trucks and of the FPT Industrial engines. Winning the rally and ranking 3 trucks in the first 6 positions is an outstanding success which shows the efficiency, strength and safety of the Iveco Trakker and Powerstar, already considered by customers as the ideal solution for everyday use and for tougher challenges. My special thanks to the drivers and all the other team members for their commitment and dedication.”

For Iveco, the Dakar 2012 was a great opportunity to confirm the reliability of its products on the ground: each vehicle was put on trial in extreme conditions crossing three countries of South America. The race, which started on January 1, 2012 in Mar del Plata, crossed Argentina, Chile and Peru, covering 14 stages, for a total of 8,500 kilometres, around 4,200 of which were against the clock.

Sra, 39, brings with him a wealth of expertise within Iveco, having joined the company in 1997 as an Area Product Manager for Iveco’s light commercial vehicle range in Italy. During his time with the company he has worked in both Italy and Turkey, most recently as Sales Director for Iveco’s home market in Italy – a position he has held since November 2008.

The appointment will see Sra relocate to the UK full time from 1 July, where he will be based at Iveco’s headquarters in Watford, Hertfordshire.

Sra’s move to the UK follows the promotion of Henk van Leuven, 58, to the new role of Worldwide Network Director Truck & Bus. Van Leuven has been Managing Director of Iveco Ltd since March 2007, in addition to heading up Iveco’s operations in the Benelux and Scandinavian markets.

He will take responsibility for defining Iveco’s dealer distribution model and ensuring the strength of its 5,000 sales and service points globally, including all commercial vehicle, bus and Astra-specialist dealers.

This follows the successful implementation of his three year dealer restructuring programme in the UK, which has seen the network reshaped to better suit local market requirements. He also previously developed Iveco’s dealer footprint in Russia in 2002, after joining Iveco as Commercial Director of the Heavy Truck Business Unit in 2001.

Van Leuven will be based at Iveco’s worldwide headquarters in Turin.

Andrea Bucci, 38, has been promoted to General Manager of Iveco’s prestigious home market in Italy, after five years at Iveco UK. He relocated to Watford in 2006 to take on the role of Marketing Director; to which he added the responsibility of Network Strategy Director in 2009.

The new appointment will see Bucci relocate to Turin, where he was previously based when he first joined Iveco and spent three years as Marketing Manager for the Daily product range in Italy. Before coming to the UK he also spent three years as Marketing Manager at Iveco Truck Australia, with responsibility for marketing operations in Australia, New Zealand, the Far East and South Africa.

This important annual forum uses conferences and test drives to focus attention on road transport and future technologies for sustainable mobility.

Challenge Bibendum 2011 is back in Europe this year after a successful trip to Rio De Janeiro in Brazil in 2010. The 2011 event is dedicated to the theme of “Clean-Safe-Connected” mobility, three key concepts for future mobility, and three areas of innovation in which all the main players in the transport industry are involved.

Iveco has adopted these objectives as its own and at Challenge Bibendum 2011 is presenting a series of advanced technological solutions along with a vast and varied offer designed to meet the multiple needs of all transport professionals. The company’s objective is to make available to customers a range of the most innovative products aligned with the needs of sustainable mobility yet continuing to maintain a realistic and pragmatic approach to business.

The Iveco stand

The Iveco stand will be located inside Hall 1 of Berlin’s old Tempelhof airport. The stand will cover an area of 100 m2 and will have as its protagonist the Iveco Glider, the concept truck designed to maximise productivity, energy saving and driver comfort.

Through the Glider concept, Iveco wants to emphasise its ongoing research into new technological solutions for the future, steadily pursuing its efforts in research and innovation considering it to be the best investment to build the “reality of the future.”

The Iveco Glider incorporates a series of innovative solutions for boosting productivity, energy efficiency and driver wellbeing on long routes. The concept promises impressive fuel-saving potential (with consumption estimated up to 40% lower than a conventional Diesel truck). This is achieved by means of the on-board generation of renewable energy by photovoltaic panels, kinetic energy recovery, exhaust gas heat recovery, a high efficiency architecture based on solutions like a beltless engine and the latest generation of thermal and auxiliary systems. The Glider’s design also focuses on reducing resistance to motion, especially aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance.

In addition to the Iveco Glider, and in keeping with the spirit of Challenge Bibendum 2011, there will also be other Iveco “Clean-Safe-Connected” vehicles on show outside, where visitors can drive them around a specially prepared circuit.

The solutions Iveco is proposing for urban missions consist of an ECODaily Electric 35S with a 60 kW drivetrain (in conjunction with DHL Deutsche Post); an ECODaily Diesel-electric hybrid with an FPT Industrial 85 kW Diesel engine and a 32 kW electric motor; and a 7.5 ton Eurocargo Diesel-electric hybrid with an FPT Industrial, Euro V, Tector Diesel engine delivering 160 cv (118 kW) of power, combined with an electric motor-generator with a maximum power output of 44 kW. The heaviest of Iveco’s urban eco-vehicles on display will be the 26 ton Stralis CNG 6×2, powered by a natural gas fuelled FPT Industrial Cursor 8 engine developing 270 cv (200 kW).

For the long distance transport sector, Iveco will be presenting an ECOStralis AS440S46 T/P in Berlin, equipped with an FPT Industrial Cursor 10 Diesel developing 460 cv (338 kW).

Irisbus, the Iveco company that specialises in public transport, will also have two models on display at Challenge Bibendum 2011. These will be a 12 metre Citelis Diesel-electric hybrid with an electric traction motor developing 175kW of power and an FPT Industrial, EEV, Tector 6 Diesel engine of 300 cv (220 kW). The latest addition to the Irisbus coach range will also be on show: the Magelys Pro. Featuring an FPT Industrial, Euro V, 380 cv (280 kW) Cursor 10 Diesel combined with a ZF 6S1600 gearbox, this vehicle was first presented to the public in Syracuse in March 2011.

All Diesel and hybrid vehicles in the external test area will be fuelled by HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), supplied for the occasion of the event by the Neste Oil company. This advanced synthetic bio-fuel can reduce well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by up to 80%. The combination of alternative traction and fuels, in fact, guarantees the best results in terms of reductions in fuel consumption and emissions of carbon dioxide.

Electric traction vehicles

Iveco helped pioneer electric traction, and designed and built its first electrically powered Daily back in 1986, gradually rolling out the technology into its other truck and urban bus ranges.

The ECODaily Electric is a zero local emissions light commercial vehicle, designed, built, sold and serviced entirely by Iveco.

The ECODaily Electric is a battery powered electric propulsion vehicle. An inverter controlled electric motor provides the drive and recovers kinetic energy on braking. The ECODaily Electric is available in a 35S version (van or chassis cab ) with a 60 kW peak power electric motor-generator and a 50C version (van, chassis cab and minibus), with an 80 kW peak power electric motor-generator.

The ECODaily Electric is equipped with sealed Na/NiCl2 (Sodium Nickel Chloride) batteries that do not produce gaseous emissions, require no servicing, are totally recyclable and are rated at a nominal 278 Volts. Depending on version and autonomy requirements, the ECODaily Electric can be equipped with two to four batteries , with a regenerative braking system for recharging the batteries and boosting autonomy. Top speed is electronically limited to 70 km/h, while autonomy ranges from 90 to 130 km at full load, depending on the number of batteries installed and the nature of the mission.

The vehicle is equipped with one on-board battery charger for each traction battery installed, as well as a sufficient number of three phase 380 V / 32 A power sockets. Recharging takes eight hours. Battery weight used to be a limit to the practicality of electric vehicles by reducing maximum payload. Iveco has now substantially overcome this problem: with two batteries installed, the ECODaily Electric weighs only 300 kg more than the standard Diesel version when unladen.

The electric traction systems are controlled by a dedicated ECU that communicates via a CAN network. The auxiliary systems, such as the battery cooling system and the braking servo pump, are powered by 12 V electric motors controlled by DC/DC inverters. The power steering pump is powered directly by the DC traction battery.

A display on the dashboard is connected to the CAN line and provides the driver with all the information he needs to drive the vehicle correctly: battery state of charge, voltage, temperature, battery current and information on the functioning of the electric drive system. The ECODaily Electric is quite intuitive to drive and is similar to a conventional van with an automatic transmission.

The ECODaily Electric adapts perfectly to all typical missions in urban areas, including door-to-door distribution and urban passenger transport.

Diesel-electric hybrid vehicles

Hybrid drive systems deliver considerable benefits in terms of driver comfort and reduced fuel consumption, making for savings that – depending on the mission – can be as much as 30% compared to conventional vehicles.

These excellent results are achieved by means of three main solutions:

A regenerative braking system: when the accelerator is released, or when the brake is applied, the electric motor converts some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy to recharge the batteries.

Stop&Start: the Diesel engine is automatically switched off when it is not needed to drive the vehicle or power its auxiliary systems. Only the electric motor is used to start the vehicle moving. The Diesel engine is then restarted automatically when the vehicle reaches a certain speed or the driver demands more acceleration.

Downsized Diesel engine: use of a Diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain allows a smaller Diesel engine to be used, thanks to the contribution of the electric motor. Urban operations, which inevitably involve lots of stopping and starting, therefore become far more economical, though the vehicle remains just as efficient and flexible as a normal commercial vehicle on the motorway.

Whether traction is provided entirely by the electric motor, entirely by the Diesel engine, or by a combination of the two, what would initially seem like a compromised drive system actually represents an exciting and innovative solution.

ECODaily Hybrid

The ECODaily Diesel-electric parallel hybrid exhibited at Challenge Bibendum 2011 uses an FPT Industrial 16 valve, 2.3 litre Diesel engine developing 116 cv (85 kW) combined with a synchronous three phase electric motor-generator of 32 kW.

An Agile gearbox acts as interface between the Diesel engine and the electric traction control systems, and automates gearshift and clutch functions to suit the driver’s needs. The vehicle therefore drives very much like a conventional commercial with an automated transmission.

The electric traction system is powered by high specific power lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries. The drive control system starts the vehicle moving in electric mode, automatically starts the Diesel engine when more performance is required, engages the electric motor in parallel during acceleration and on hills, stops the Diesel engine automatically as the vehicle slows down and comes to rest, and activates the regenerative braking system during deceleration.

Thanks to a top speed of 130 km/h, the ECODaily Hybrid is ideal not only for urban operations but for extra-urban use too, with the added benefit of a fuel saving of up to 30% under urban operations compared to a vehicle with a conventional Diesel engine.

Eurocargo Hybrid

The Eurocargo Hybrid was only available until now at 7.5 and 12 ton gvm versions: now the range has been extended with the addition of a 15 ton version specially conceived for municipal missions. The new 15 ton Eurocargo Hybrid is equipped with a Diesel-electric parallel drivetrain that is perfect for goods distribution and collection in urban areas and also ensures a good turn of speed on the motorway while consuming up to 30% less than an equivalent Diesel model under urban conditions.

The version provided for test drives at Challenge Bibendum 2011 is a 7.5 ton model with an FPT Industrial 16 valve, 4 cylinder, Euro V Tector Diesel engine delivering 160 cv (118 kW), associated with an electric traction system developed in collaboration with Eaton, consisting of a 44 kW motor-generator, an automated 6-speed gearbox and a pack of lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries with a rated capacity of 1.9 kWh.

The system starts the vehicle from stationary in electric mode and then starts the Diesel engine automatically when the driver needs more performance. The system also engages the electric motor in parallel when extra acceleration is required or when the vehicle encounters a hill, controls the Stop&Start function and activates the regenerative braking system on deceleration. Useful payload is reduced by only 200 kg compared to -Diesel models. Another innovative feature of this vehicle lies in the automatic activation of the engine brake during deceleration, even before the service brake is applied.

Natural gas vehicles

Iveco attributes a great deal of importance to natural gas as a fuel and boasts the widest range of CNG commercial vehicles in Europe. CNG fuelled vehicles have long been common in Italy and their further development is one of Iveco’s highest research priorities.

Iveco is a European leader in the construction and marketing of CNG vehicles, including trucks, vans and buses for various types of mission, especially urban operations.

Though Iveco’s Diesel vehicles conform to Euro V or even EEV standards and boast exceptionally low emission levels, emissions from its CNG vehicles already approach the requirements of the future Euro VI standard, due to be applied to heavy commercial vehicles and buses from 2014.

In addition, the Iveco stoichiometric combustion system (combustion at the chemically correct air/fuel ratio) on FPT natural gas engines with three-way catalytic converters is based on reliable and durable technology developed over many years in the light transport sector. This system makes it possible to detect the composition of the gas used and to adapt the functioning of the engine accordingly, keeping emissions low without sacrificing performance. Iveco is also developing its experience in vehicles fuelled by hydromethane – a mix of methane and hydrogen (up to 30%), offering interesting opportunities to reduce even more emissions of CO2.

Iveco CNG commercial vehicles can already use bio-methane, one of the renewable energy sources with the most promising credentials in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

ECOSTRALIS

The ECOStralis is Iveco’s solution to the growing demand for a more environmentally friendly form of long distance transport.

The ECOStralis is both ecological and efficient, and is designed to cut operating costs too, especially fuel costs, which represent almost a third of the running costs of a modern commercial vehicle.

By combining advanced vehicle technology with intelligent considerations of load type and journey speeds, the ECOStralis reduces fuel costs by up to 10%.

The ECOStralis is available in AS, AD and AT versions, and can be equipped with FPT Industrial Cursor 10 Diesel engines developing between 420 cv (309 kW) and 460 cv (338 kW).

Iveco Glider

The Iveco Glider concept is inspired by the observation of nature. The design symbolises the metamorphosis of an eagle that glides as it descends, and finally becomes the Iveco Glider as it touches down. The Glider is a whole new concept in vehicle design and promises high productivity plus low environmental impact.

The concept focuses on two main ideas: energy efficiency and livability.

Maximum energy efficiency is achieved in four ways:

on-board generation of renewable energy

energy recovery

extremely energy efficient architecture

reduced resistance to motion

On-board generation of renewable energy

The Iveco Glider uses photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy on board. The panels cover an area of approximately 2 m2 on the cab roof, which is continually blown clean by the airflow, thus ensuring maximum efficiency and the production of up to 2 kWh of energy per day.

Energy Recovery In nature, evolution has rewarded rational energy usage and minimum wastage. Inspired by this principle, Iveco researchers have developed systems for recovering and using the kinetic energy that would otherwise be dissipated in the form of heat during braking, as well as engine heat that would otherwise be lost through the exhaust and the radiators.

Iveco’s Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) recovers sufficient energy to drive most of the vehicle’s auxiliary electrical systems.

On the Glider, the heat of the exhaust gases is converted into electrical energy by a thermo-dynamic system that works like a compact, efficient steam engine based on the Rankine cycle. A high efficiency heat exchanger is positioned in the exhaust line immediately after the emission control system and pressurises an organic fluid circuit that can function even at low temperatures.

This heat recovery system reduces the vehicle’s fuel requirements by up to 10% on motorway missions.

The excess electricity not used by the auxiliary systems is stored in a specific high energy accumulator (Auxiliary Energy Unit) and can be used as an energy source when the vehicle is stationary.

Extremely energy efficient architecture

Total energy management means reducing not just waste but requirements too. High energy efficiency electric auxiliary equipment has therefore been installed on the Iveco Glider (including an electric air conditioning system with energy saving microclimate control), a new generation thermal system and full-LED internal and external lighting.

Reduced resistance to motion

Drawing inspiration from the advanced aerodynamics that permit a body to glide, a number of special features were developed and applied on the Glider to allow the vehicle to adapt its aerodynamic characteristics to the mission.

A new on-board thermal energy management system (Smart Cooling) combines with planar heat exchangers to allow cooling drag to be managed actively (Active Shutters), thus minimising the Glider’s coefficient of drag (Cx).

An innovative fifth wheel allows semi-trailers to be hitched up automatically and, more importantly, permits the gap between the tractor and the semi-trailer to be varied with the vehicle in motion, to minimise turbulence and drag.

Styling and interiors

The styling of the vehicle is based on the most efficient interpretation of external aerodynamics and optimises air flow across the engine bay and under the vehicle all the way to the rear extractor.

The aerodynamic effectiveness of the truck’s lines is enhanced by planar heat exchangers which act as fairings on the sides.

The Iveco Glider also embodies a new approach to livability, thanks to a vehicle interior designed around its occupants. The Iveco Glider’s interior is designed to re-interpret the three main functions of a cab on long distance haulage missions:

DRIVING: better ergonomics mean more safety

OFFICE: advanced technology means better productivity

HOME: comfort and well-being are indispensable

To optimise “DRIVING” mode, the instrument panel is fixed to the steering wheel at an adjustable angle so that it is perfectly visible to the driver whatever the position of the steering wheel. The instrument panel is completely configurable and features a natural and intuitive interface that provides information efficiently and with reduced cognitive load. The interface can even be personalised to meet customer needs or those of the driving mission.

To allow effective use in “OFFICE” mode, a modern and comfortable work station has been provided on the passenger side. The smart control unit can be configured as a multi-functional computer and used on a console complete with worktop, drawers and drink holder.

Microclimate is another important aspect of on-board wellbeing. Controlled air emission in terms of temperature, speed, humidity and fragrance puts the driver at ease.

The Iveco Glider also includes a breathable dashboard and rear wall, developed in conjunction with Reiter Automotive: this innovative solution satisfies the need for a fixed and constant temperature inside the vehicle without draughts concentrated in limited areas of the vehicle.

In “HOME” mode, the Iveco Glider provides both leisure and personal care solutions. A Hotpoint-Aniston “Ivory” multi-purpose appliance provides all the functions of a real kitchen, from food storage to cooking, and even dish washing.

The sleeping area features a configurable bed. The bed folds upright and occupies very little space when not in use. And when needed, it can be arranged at whatever height the driver prefers.

Developments in the field of total space management allow the area at the rear of the cab interior to be used for relaxation, exercise, watching a film, reading or whatever the user wants to do.

The seats of the Iveco Glider deserve a special mention. The represent a “concept within a concept” and have been designed as a new generation seating system that combines ergonomics with configurability, style with functionality, and stylish materials with ease of maintenance.

The Iveco Glider also features sophisticated design solutions in the areas of lighting and 3D acoustics. The interior is lit by a combination of ambience lighting and spotlights that use the latest LED technology for reduced energy consumption, better performance and longer life. The ambience lighting system is designed specifically for driving and relaxation. It does not tire the driver at the wheel, but during breaks allows occupants to relax fully and live in symbiosis with the vehicle. Finally, spotlights facilitate all those tasks that require proper illumination, with light focused on the area of the cab where the driver is working.

Public transport

In keeping with its vocation as an innovative manufacturer, Iveco Irisbus strives to satisfy the needs of customers who are putting increased emphasis on the safety, comfort and eco-compatibility of the vehicles they purchase.

Citelis

At Challenge Bibendum 2011, Iveco Irisbus is presenting its Citelis city bus in a 12 metre version with a new generation, advanced propulsion system: series Diesel-electric hybrid drive.

This type of traction system is ideal for public transport in urban areas. It can be described succinctly as an electric traction system with an on-board battery charger. Depending on operating conditions, hybrid propulsion permits reductions of up to 39% in fuel consumption and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions, along with a reduction of up to 50% in NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions.

During acceleration, power from the Diesel engine driven generator can be integrated with that from the batteries. At constant speed, the batteries are not used because the power delivered by the Diesel engine is enough to maintain speed.

On braking, the electric motor acts as a generator to recover kinetic energy and recharge the batteries. When the vehicle stops, the Diesel engine is turned off and exhaust gas ceases to be emitted , giving further fuel savings and a significant reduction in atmospheric and acoustic pollution. When the vehicle sets off again, the batteries supply the electric motor and start the Diesel engine up again as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

The Hybrid Citelis is also available in an 18 metre version with an FPT Industrial, 300 cv (220 kW) Tector 6 Diesel engine associated with an electric motor 200kw.

Magelys Pro

The Magelys occupies a position of prestige in the luxury coach sector for its excellent performance. The latest addition to the family, the Magelys Pro, targets the world of tourism and travel and embodies all the qualities that characterise the Magelys range.

The Magelys Pro comes in two lengths (12.2 m and 12.8 m), with seating capacities for 53 and 57 passengers respectively. The vehicle is driven either by a Euro V FPT Industrial Cursor 10 Diesel engine rated at 380 cv (280 kW) combined with a ZF6S 1600, 6 speed mechanical gearbox, or by a 450 cv (330 kW) FPT Industrial Diesel engine combined with a ZF AS-Tronic 12-speed automatic gearbox for a higher torque at lower engine speeds.

The Magelys Pro is equipped with full air suspension that is independent at the front wheels. Superb road holding, perfect directional control, without roll and pitching, and greater passenger comfort are the main strengths of this suspension system.

Iveco

For the second year running, Iveco will be the commercial vehicle supplier to the MotoGP, the most important championship in the world of motorcycle racing, with over 60 years of history, broadcast in 207 countries and followed by a TV audience averaging 28 million for each race.

Thanks to the agreement established last season with Dorna Sports, the Iveco brand will again be present and visible at many circuits. In addition, as for the past two seasons, the company will be title sponsor of the Australian race at Phillip Island, billed as “The Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2011″ and will see the entire circuit branded Iveco.

Also this year Iveco will be behind the transportation of the entire MotoGP logistical support infrastructure – utilising a fleet of 15 Stralis tractor units and a mix of four ECODAILY van and Combi nine-seat vehicles, delivering fittings, equipment and personnel along the route that unites the 18 races of the World Championship.

The partnership continues between Iveco and Team Yamaha with the reigning World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo, and Ben Spies, considered to be the most promising newcomer of 2010. The association between the two companies has led to excellent results with the conquest by Yamaha of the “Triple Crown” for the third consecutive year and of all three world championship titles (Driver, Team and Constructor). Team Yamaha will use its own fleet of seven Stralis and 2 ECODAILY vehicles for transporting the team and the bikes with all the associated materials, to and from each circuit, along with offices and mobile workshops. For the first time, Iveco branding will appear on the racing bikes too.

This continued involvement by Iveco in the world of MotoGP is an integral part of the company’s communication strategy.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat, said: “I would like to thank Paolo Monferino, both personally and on behalf of the Group, for his outstanding service to Fiat over the years. In the various roles covered, he always distinguished himself for his dedication, rigor and astuteness.

These qualities were behind such major accomplishments as the integration of Case and New Holland and the return of Iveco to the highest level of competitiveness in the truck and commercial vehicle sector.”

“I am disappointed that he is leaving the Fiat Group, but pleased to know the public health system will profit from his experience, his capability to plan and manage, in addition to his great human qualities, to the benefit of the community as a whole.”

The stand design is inspired by the renowned scientist, inventor, artist and sculptor, Leonardo de Vinci – with the centre of the stand featuring a depiction of Vitruvian Man.

Staff across the 2,700 m2 stand will also be using the latest iPad technology to help convey information about Iveco’s extensive vehicle range to visitors from around the world.

The theme of the company’s stand will be “Driving innovation to reality” – a statement that signifies the fact that in recent years some of the most important technological innovations made by Iveco – such as electric vehicle and hybrid drive technology – have become commercially available. As a further testament to this, many of these vehicles now bear the livery of major Iveco customers who use them across Europe in a diverse array of applications.

The Iveco stand will be split into three sections: urban, medium & long distance and off-road. In the urban section four EcoDaily light commercials in different variants will be exhibited, including a zero-emission EcoDaily Electric van. Additionally, Irisbus, Iveco’s bus and coach division will be displaying a 12 metre series hybrid Citelis bus which uses a diesel engine to drive an electric generator working with batteries to drive the vehicle. This Citelis is capable of reducing emissions by up to 30 per cent and contributing significantly to improving air quality in cities.

The medium and long distance section will be devoted to the Stralis, Iveco’s flagship, which will be shown in multiple configurations to highlight its versatility. Taking pride of place on display will be a new enhanced productivity version of the Stralis, which will be enjoying its world premiere. It has been designed to make a major contribution to the sustainability of road transport and is technologically advanced – helping to optimise performance, reduce fuel consumption and cut CO2 emissions to a minimum.

Amongst the vehicles on show in the off-road area will be an example of the Trakker, which is popular in quarries and construction sites all over the world.

It will be joined by the Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV), which Iveco has designed for tactical military applications and peacekeeping missions.

In keeping with the company’s theme “Driving Innovation to Reality”, and developed in collaboration with the Fiat Research Centre, Iveco will display the Iveco Glider, a technology platform which explores the boundaries of excellence in productivity and environmental impact.

Iveco will also be demonstrating its innovative Blue & Me Fleet system, which is built on a Fiat-Microsoft platform and developed in partnership with Qualcomm, global leader in web-based solutions for managing vehicle fleets.

A prominent place on the stand has also been reserved to highlight Iveco’s international sponsorship programmes and key customers: from Ferrari to the Fiat Yamaha Team and from Coca-Cola to the Italian Civil Protection service.

An external display area will see eight Iveco vehicles on show, including a fire appliance, equipped with a telescopic 32m turntable ladder, manufactured by Iveco Magirus, together with a natural-gas powered Stralis. Also being exhibited is an example of the Leoncino, a medium-range truck based on a Chinese vehicle platform. This vehicle carries the name of a famous truck produced from 1950 to 1968 by Officine Meccaniche OM of Brescia, which later became one of the founders of Iveco. The Leoncino will be sold from next year in overseas markets outside Europe.

The fully electric 3.5 and 5.2 tonne models stand out for being designed, engineered and manufactured by Iveco, rather than aftermarket conversions or a bespoke offering from a small volume manufacturer. This means they benefit from a full Iveco warranty plus the support of Iveco’s worldwide dealer network.

The EcoDaily Electric marks the future of urban transport and is ideally suited to short-distance journeys and door-to-door deliveries in an urban environment. It qualifies for a 100 per cent discount from London’s Congestion Charge.

Martin Flach, Product Director of Iveco UK, says: “Iveco has invested heavily in alternative fuel technology since the mid-1990s. As a direct result, we offer the largest selection of low-carbon commercial vehicles available in Europe, with the EcoDaily Electric joining natural gas variants of our EcoDaily, Eurocargo and Stralis, together with an innovative hybrid Eurocargo.”

The EcoDaily Electric benefits from pure electric traction using a three-phase motor controlled through a DC/AC inverter to provide effortless driving and range-extending regenerative braking (in a similar way to the Formula 1 KERS system).

Power comes from advanced NaNiCl2 battery technology, which can be fully recharged in eight hours from any normal 32-amp 415-V three-phase socket. The power output is 30kW continuous (60kW peak) for 3.5 tonne models and 40kW continuous (80kW peak) for 5.2 tonne models, which is sufficient to pull away on gradients of up to 16 per cent when fully laden.

All drive components and batteries are housed either in the engine compartment or within the chassis side rails, ensuring there is no compromise in load space. This is made possible as EcoDaily Electric is designed, manufactured and sold by Iveco – which also brings further advantages regarding both planned and unplanned maintenance, as there is one supplier, one invoice and one warranty to manage.

Flach adds: “In terms of driver appeal it looks no different to a regular EcoDaily, whilst its electric motor provides instant access to maximum torque. This makes driving through town and city centres a breeze, not to mention a comfortable, quiet and eco-friendly experience.”

Every EcoDaily Electric features a dashboard display which provides the driver with relevant information such as the battery’s charge level, system voltage, temperature and traction current. Power is provided by Zebra Z5 traction batteries which are fully sealed and do not produce gaseous emissions or require maintenance. The batteries are also fully recyclable.

Real-life trials have shown the vehicles to have an effective range of between 55 and 80 miles, depending on the number of batteries specified and the vehicle’s application. Furthermore, EcoDaily Electric can be driven just like a conventional vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission, using a gear lever to select forward, neutral or reverse.

Each vehicle has a maximum road speed electronically limited to 45 mph, although this can be set to a lower level to further improve the range.

Monferino recalled the definition of Sustainable Developments, as discussed in the 1987 Brundtland report titled ‘Our Common Future Way’, and the measures taken by commercial vehicle manufacturers over the past 20 years to bring vehicles to the environmentally friendly Euro V and EEV levels enjoyed today.

With the current priority being to reduce road transport CO2 emissions, Monferino outlined the importance of second generation renewable fuels that are not in competition with food crops and are suitable for use by all commercial vehicles on the road today.

Monferino then outlined the vehicle technologies specifically developed for urban transport, a segment of the industry where pollution is most important and where significant CO2 reductions are possible. This included electric vehicles, diesel / electric hybrids, compressed natural gas vehicles capable of running on bio-methane and today’s conventional diesel engined vehicles, offered with EEV certification (Europe’s most stringent emission standard currently available).

He went on to draw the attention of the conference to the current economic crisis that is not showing significant signs of abating as far as freight transport is concerned, and the importance of sustainable economic trading conditions, necessary to fund such innovative vehicle technologies. To this end, the importance of action on behalf of all stakeholders in achieving the objectives of legislative actions was made.

In the case of new emission standards where legislators demand cleaner vehicles to achieve air quality objectives, he argued that it is not sufficient to simply expect associated product developments from vehicle manufacturers. Monferino referred to the composition of the commercial vehicle running parc of four of the most significant markets in Europe where, on average, almost half of the vehicles in circulation were older than those certified to Euro III emission standards.

Monferino also called on Member States to address this anomaly by introducing fiscal measures in favour of new, environmentally friendly vehicles in order to both achieve the desired improvements in air quality by the removal from the parc of the most polluting vehicles and to stimulate the commercial vehicle market demand.

In addition, the call for a two year deferral of the forthcoming Euro VI emission legislation was made and for its reassessment in the light of the foreseen negative global warming aspect of vehicles certified to this standard.