The Clipper Logistics Group has opted for Iveco as its preferred vehicle supplier, after successfully merging its two main subsidiaries DTS Logistics and Clipper Secure Logistics into the group. Commenting on the 80 new Iveco Stralis tractors and rigids that have recently joined Clipper Group's 600-strong fleet, group marketing and sales director Michael Daly explains that they were chosen because of their good whole- life costs.
He says all aspects of the three companies in the conglomerate are gradually being brought together with best practice, including vehicle acquisition. "It is no good saying one company does it one way and the other does it another way" he tells Motor Transport. "We need to ask which company does it the best way." Historically all three companies had their own preferred vehicle suppliers. Clipper Logistics traditionally ran Volvos, DTS used Mercedes-Benz and Clipper Secure (formerly Gagewell) preferred Iveco. "We decided to evaluate the three on whole-life costs, and Iveco came out streets ahead of the others," says Daly.
"Iveco suffers from the old Iveco Ford era image, although today it makes an excellent truck". He admits that "Iveco's residual values aren't fantastic", but says they will remain on the fleet for five years, after which no trucks' residual values are particularly good. Daly says the Clipper Group isn't saying it will only buy Ivecos from now on, "but they are our vehicle of choice for the time being". Clipper Group bought Iveco dealer Northern Commercials.
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