Rockwell strengthens Italian connection
Page 16
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ROCKWELL'S single reduction hypoid drive axles, manufactured at Cameri, Italy, will progressively replace Ford and Eaton axles in Cargo trucks from early 1987.
This ends speculation which followed Ford's announcement more than two months ago that it was to end production in the UK of its own truck drive axles (CM, July 20), with the loss of 470 jobs.
No new supplier was named then, nor was it clear that the Eaton axles used in heavier Cargo models were to be replaced.
Now it has emerged that the first light Cargo models, probably 7.5-tonners, to be fitted with Carneri-built rear axles will come off Ford's Langley production lines late next year and go on sale in 1987.
By mid-1987, the entire Cargo range will use drive axles from the new modular Rockwell CVC range which extends from the F125E model with a design load capacity of 6.8 comics to the U180E 13-tonne axle, and 20 tonne SR140E tandem bogie.
Truck manufacturers already using the 10 and 13tonne Carneri axles include ERF, Seddon Atkinson and lveco. Volvo's new FL6 at 14 tonnes GVW is fitted with the P140E 9.2-tonne axle which is suitable for GCWs up to 25 tonnes.
The "final dress" (fitting of hubs, drums, brakes and brackets) of the Cameri axles for Ford will probably be carried out at Rockwell's Alm ter plant near Manchester.
Ford's decision to use on4 Rockwell drive axles in trucks appears to be part of its current worldwide component sourcing strategy.
In Europe, it is sure to fuel further speculation about the likelihood of a major co-operative venture in the near future between Ford and Iveco in truck manufacturing and marketing (CM, September 21).
Rockwell CVC is 40 per cent owned by Iveco. The Cameri plant is a former Neu) bus factory, and Iveco is committed to taking the core volume (about 50,000 units a year), of the plant's production.
The advanced Camcri plant (CM, April 27) can produce up to 40 axles a day.