From simple Euro-6 upgrades to full product design make-overs, the last few years have been busy with product launches in the heavy commercial vehicle market, meaning that 2016 was dominated by news from the van sector.
Visitors to this year’s CV Show were inundated with ‘premieres’ from the light vehicle sector.
Next Generation Scania
Perhaps the most anticipated launch of the year, the #NextGenScania event, took place in front of 1,200 customers, dealers and press from around the world, as well as being broadcast live online. The launch, held in Paris on 23 August, showcased the new S- and R-series models.
According to the manufacturer, the next generation models were under development for 10 years at a cost of SEK 20bn (£1.8bn). Henrik Henriksson, President and CEO of Scania, said: “It is undoubtedly the biggest investment in Scania’s 125-year history”.
The manufacturer proposes that the new S-series, which was tested over 10 million kilometres during the development process, is 5% more efficient than the most recent Scania model.
The streamlined exterior design gives greater aerodynamic performance and the engines have been overhauled for better efficiency. A new seating position offers more room for drivers, additional in-cab benefits include added storage and greater visibility. The ‘connectivity’ of the truck allows for maintenance schedules determined by actual usage, rather than traditional mileage or calendar methods.
The 410hp, 450hp and 500hp models use SCR-only for exhaust after treatment (with a 370 version in plan) and the 520hp, 580hp and 730hp options use a combination of EGR and SCR.
Scania has indicated a price premium of +6.5% over the current range, which will remain in production until 2018. The new designs and technology will eventually transfer to the P- and G- series models.
In early December, Shrewsbury-based Chris Good Haulage was one of the first UK operators to receive a Next Generation Scania – a 6x2 S500 tractor unit.
Scania’s new truck range lifted the 2017 International Truck of The Year Award at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, and to top off an exciting year, Northern Irish Scania dealer, Road Trucks, secured ‘Franchise Dealer of Year’ at the CM Awards.
Iveco Stralis NP & XP and Iveco New Daily
Mid-year saw two new versions of the Iveco Stralis launched, the XP and NP, plus the New Daily for the van market. While recent messaging from all manufacturers has focused on improved fuel consumption, Iveco’s claims have perhaps been the most prominent.
The Stralis XP (extra performance) has been deemed by the manufacturer as “possibly the most fuel efficient long-haul truck in the industry”, with claims of improved economy of 11.2%, which have been validated by TÜV SÜD, a leading European technical certification centre.
The XP demonstrator has toured the country, dubbed the ‘TCO2 Champion’, as part of Iveco’s sponsorship of the FTA Transport Manager conference series.
A significant part of the Iveco proposition is their HI-SCR selective catalytic reduction system, which meets Euro-6 standards without EGR and therefore boasts no requirement for active regeneration, resulting in no forced stops.
Although 9% more expensive than a regular Stralis, Iveco said the truck will have a two-year payback in long-haul operations.
The Stralis NP (natural power) is Europe’s first long-haul gas-powered truck, designed to run on either LPG or CNG. While many alternate fuel propositions are in development stages, this is the first genuine offering to the long-haul market, with the first of 20 NP models delivered to a German operator.
Equipped with a 400hp engine, it promises to be as good as diesel in terms of performance, payload and versatility, and guarantees the same or better total cost of ownership.
The Iveco New Daily Euro-6 family was also launched to the UK at the CV Show, following its international press launch in Italy.
The van delivers multiple updates to the International Van of the Year 2015, with new and powerful 2.3 and 3.0-litre engines.
The manufacturer claims fuel savings of up to 8% and up to 12% on repair and maintenance costs, compared with previous Euro-5 models.
LDV MAXUS Range
LDV returned to the UK this year, following a seven-year absence. Built in China by SAIC Maxus (part of the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation), the vans are being imported into the UK by Dublin-based Harris Group.
The first model, launched at the CV Show, was the V80, which is a heavily re-engineered Maxus.
Available as a chassis cab, panel van or minibus, it has GVWs of either 3.2 or 3.5 tonnes and features a Euro-5 2.5-litre VM Motori turbo diesel engine.
The Maxus van range offers a choice of three roof heights, two wheelbase lengths and three gross vehicle weights: 2.8-tonne, 3.2-tonne and 3.5-tonne GVW.
All LDVs are “competitively priced” and carry a five-year 125,000-mile warranty and roadside assistance.
Other Van Launches
Other 2016 van releases were:
By Laura Reeve
