And the 2013 winners are...
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By Brian Weatherley and Andy Salter IVECO’S NEW Stralis Hi-Way long-haul truck has fought off a strong challenge from the Mercedes-Benz Antos heavydistribution range to be named the 2013 International Truck of the Year (IToY) at this week’s IAA Hannover show.
The IToY jury, made up of journalists from 25 CV magazines in Europe, including CM, awarded the Stralis Hi-Way 138 votes, 31 ahead of Mercedes’ second-place Antos with 107. Ford Otosan’s New Cargo (CM 13 September) inished third.
The Stralis Hi-Way’s SCR-only, Hi-eSCR engine line-up, together with its latest aerodynamically improved cab and optimised drive-train won praise from the IToY jurors, who declared: “They provide a major contribution to negating the effect of the forthcoming Euro-6 emission legislation on the truck’s fuel consumption.” The Iveco Hi-Way Stralis’s revamped cab also gained plaudits for offering drivers “a relaxing working environment” . Van of the Year: Ford Transit With 117 points out of 133 available, the Ford Transit Custom is the winner of the International Van of the Year (IVoY) 2013, beating the Dacia Dokker and Mercedes Citan to take the trophy.
Announcing the 2013 result, chairman of the IVoY jury Pieter Wieman said the winning van design had impressed the jury on a number of fronts, not least that Ford has succeeded in building a complete new light van on an existing platform.
The new Transit sets new styling, drivability and load-carrying ability standards.
It also has an attractive car-like appearance; the driving dynamics are close to that of a passenger car; and driver comfort has been improved by a new dashboard, and adjustable driving position.
Notwithstanding that, the Ford Transit Custom is a practical vehicle. It sets new standards regarding loading volume (6m3 to 6.8m3), width between wheel arches, and height and width of sliding side load doors.