New Cargo is Italian job
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Just how important is it to operators where a truck is made? Now that its Cargo middleweight range is built in Italy, Iveco Ford prefers to stress quality over country of origin.
by Brian Weatberiey • Following the switch in production of right-hand-drive models from Langley in the UK to Brescia in Italy, Iveco Ford has introduced a revamped Cargo line-up for 1998.
The changes may not be enough to persuade "Must Buy British" operators to switch from Leyland Oaf, but they should go a long way to answering niggling criticisms of the existing range and underpinning Iveco's ever-improving build quality.
Revisions
Chris Christianson, marketing manager of Iveco's medium business unit, says: "The revi sions will improve driver productivity and reduce running costs. All in all, we've made sonic 426 part number changes."
The 1998 Cargo gets a newlook and, more important, tougher interior trim along with a darker fascia. Christianson admits: "We did have some problems with premature wear with seat trims."
The latest material is also used on the door panels, roof, rear bulkhead and (on sleeper cabs) the mattress. The original rubber flooring has been replaced with harder-wearing PVC mats, which are said to be easier to sweep out.
They have extra insulation, thereby reducing in-cab noise. The heater system has also been made easier to use—the controls are more clearly marked and more robust.
On the outside, the Cargo's plastic cab panels are now made of a stronger, darker sheet moulding compound (SMC) material. The doors have new hinges and an improved double seal, These additions help provide more accurate door alignment and reduce wind noise.
Channels
New roof channels also stop water dripping on to the driver when he opens the cab door to climb in or out, As a response to operator feedback, all fourcylinder Cargo models gain a larger 310mm (12in) clutch, while on Cargo 80E to E21/23 chassis, the existing 330mm (13in) Borg & Beck clutch is now of ceramic composition. The changes are intended to increase clutch life.
Some Cargo models have suffered from cab lean on the driver's side in service. To remedy the problem, the cabin suspension on 80E-150E models has been modified with a redesigned torsion bar system and new helical springs.
All models have a new compressor with an improved alloy head gasket and modified liners, and piston, and new oil-scavenging rings. Christianson says the changes will mean more reliability and a 60% reduction in oil consumption".
He acknowledges there have been "occasional oil leaks" on Cargo axles. New oil seals are fitted on 60E to 100E models, and will be adopted on heavier Cargo chassis from October.
Other changes include a bet ter self-leveiiing valve on airsuspended rigids and, where a supplementary cab heater is specified, the new Air Top 2000 Webasto heater replaces the old FL18.
The latest version gives better control and is quieter.
Iveco makes great play of the improved build quality at its Brescia assembly plant, which now assembles all Cargo models for Europe as well as producing EuroTech and EuroStar heavy truck cabs.
Christianson says that, following major investment, the Brescia plant is now one of the most modern production facilities in Europe, and adds: "Today's EuroCargo is the best we've made."