We have been to Germany to drive Iveco's Transport Concept - its vision of road transport in the near to medium future. As well as using a Kögel BigMAXX 15m trailer, the truck also features a number of innovative aerodynamic aids that have the ability to slash fuel consumption by as much 15%. These have been developed by the Fiat Group, and draw on the company's extensive experience in the world of F1 with Ferrari.
One of the most obvious alterations has been a reduction in the gap between the truck and trailer, carried out by the addition of an inflatable airbag at the rear of the cab. This alone reduces overall drag by an estimated 1.5%. It features a similar inflatable device at the rear of the trailer, which manages the slipstream and reduces drag by some 5%. Both deflate at low speeds, and are monitored by an in-cab display.
Other aerodynamic aids include tractor side skirts (-2%), a dam on the front of the tractor (-2.5%), and an improved roof air kit (-2%). But perhaps the most significant advances are found under the trailer, by way of a smooth profiled floor (-3%) and specially designed air intakes (-6%). These dramatically reduce turbulence beneath and around the truck. Rolling resistance is improved by 4%, with the use of super-single tyres on the drive axle.
Although Iveco holds a patent for the aerodynamic aids, it says any truck or trailer manufacturer would be able to use them - after paying a royalty. Although Iveco would like to see government subsidies for these fuel-saving devices, it believes that demand will still be significant without funding. Iveco's Ken Moore says: "Hopefully payback on long-haul operations will be significant enough to persuade operators to fund it themselves."
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