Iveco recently participated in the European Truck Platooning Challenge 2016, the world’s first cross-border initiative using semi-automated trucks in.
The platooning challenge, which was organized by the Netherlands during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, fosters European cooperation among transport stakeholders, including truck manufacturers, member states, logistics service providers, road operators, road and vehicle approval authorities, research institutes and governments to demonstrate a new model of transport that is safer, cleaner and more efficient.
Iveco joined five other European truck manufacturers travelling via platoon from various European cities to the city of Rotterdam. The challenge represented a unique opportunity for a test run with other road users in real-life conditions, with Iveco deploying two Stralis Hi-Ways, which started out at The Atomium in Brussels.
Iveco has also launched its new Afriway bus range. “Key elements have changed on the new Afriway,” explained Iveco South Africa Works (ISAW) head of the bus division, Ray Karshagen. “While the base driveline remains the same as the Euromidi chassis, the vehicle’s suspension has been tailored to enhance ride comfort in relation to the specific bus chassis.
“Rather than right in the front, the engine is positioned over the front axle. The first and most important reason for this is better weight distribution, which enables an increased payload. The second factor is that the passenger entrance is positioned in the longer front overhang.”
To appraise durability and validate engineering changes, extensive testing was carried out to cater for the often arduous off-road rural conditions, which the bus will encounter in South Africa – such as altitude ranges from sea level to high – including the installation of stone guards to protect key driveline components. Demonstration units were also placed with selected customers in the field.
April 12, 2016
