Iveco plans a range revam p
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week, Boschetti insisted that within two years the Italian truck maker would have a brand new line-up in place. "We're not talking about revisions," he told them.
Among the coming changes will be two new light vehicle engines, one of which will be used in the new Daily range. Boschetti describes it as having outstanding torque characteristics. His comments suggest that Iveco is also looking at updating, or even replacing, the existing modular truck cab used on its EuroStar, EuroTech and New Cargo models. However, such a move would entail a major investment to handle production tooling changes.
While Boschetti declined to elaborate further, lveco is currently engaged in a rolling engine replacement programme for its heavies. Following the launch of the eight-litre Cursor 8 engine last September, it is poised to launch larger capacity versions including a Cursor 10 and Cursor 13, which will see power ratings move up as high as 600hp.
Significantly, in marked contrast to his promise of new products to come, Boschetti also admits that early EuroTech models have been a "disaster" in the market place. Among the problems plaguing the original EuroTech tractor were cracking discs, breaking windscreens and poor build quality.
However, he insists that Iveco has now raised its quality levels to that of rivals, including Scania.
To help combat what Boschetti sees as a negative perception of the company's products, Iveco Ford has recently unveiled a new customer support package (CM 12-18 August) which includes cash-back offers on parts which are not delivered within 48 hours and a refund of the difference on a like-for-like part which is obtained cheaper from a factory rather than a main dealer.
A full report on North East Truck 84. Van will appear in a forthcoming issue of CM.