Full range commercial vehicle manufacturer Iveco enjoyed the most successful 12 months in its 30 year history in the UK van and truck market, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
With a product range spanning the 3.2 to 44 tonne sector, Iveco sold a total of 18,323 vehicles during 2005, comprising vans, trucks and used vehicles through its nationwide network of 26 main distributors and 39 satellites.
“This is a real testament to the strength, quality and productivity of the Iveco line-up, and it means that we are now becoming a preferred supplier across the range for the retail and fleet sectors,” says Chris Thorneycroft-Smith, Managing Director of Iveco Ltd.
At 3.5 tonnes, a sector which is almost 25 per cent bigger than the entire truck market above this weight, Iveco recorded an impressive six per cent volume increase with Daily, taking nearly ten per cent of the 73,500 vehicle market.
“This is most rewarding, especially when you consider we only entered this market sector in the mid 1990’s. With over 3,000 different models available in the Daily light commercial vehicle range, Iveco guarantees the widest possible choice for operators looking to purchase a van or chassis cab, with the option of a semi-automatic gearbox now available for urban operations,” he adds.
This performance was supported by the consistent strength of Eurocargo between 7.5 and 26 tonnes, together with the most significant increase in the heavy truck market throughout 2005, which saw Iveco’s Stralis almost double its tractor unit sales – representing an 80 per cent growth in this market.
This performance tied in with the biggest ever tractor unit market in the commercial vehicle industry’s history, with 19,700 units registered, compared with just 10,000 fifteen years ago.
“We have everything going for us in the heavy truck market, with our flagship Stralis widely recognised as a serious performer in terms of cab comfort, reliability, economy and residual values. Couple this with a strong distributor network offering the longest opening hours in the industry, and I see Stralis sales continuing to increase.
“Iveco is in a very strong position as we enter 2006 - our delivery lead times are some of the best in the market, despite our order book being so strong,” he concludes.
The full line-up of Iveco commercial vehicles range from the Daily panel van, voted Motor Transport Fleet Van of the Year and What Van? Van of the Year 2005, through to the flagship 44 tonne Stralis tractor unit, winner of the prestigious International Truck of the Year award. It also includes a full range of Eurocargo rigids between 7.5 and 26 tonnes, together with the multi-axle Trakker construction vehicles.