IVECO To Build STRALLS Down Under

www.chinatrucks.com: In another truckmaking move to fill the void left in local motoring manufacturing, Iveco will build a local Stralis with a range of locally-sourced components.

From the last quarter of this year, the Stralis ATi will be assembled at Iveco’s Dandenong facility, when it will become known as the Stralis AT.

Components including mirrors, wheel angles, trailer connections, batteries, wheels and liquids will be sourced locally, the company has confirmed.

The Stralis AT variants will include a 6x4 prime mover and 6x2 rigid in a variety of specification options, and will join existing Stralis AS-L, Powerstar, ACCO and Delta and Metro bus chassis models, which are locally built and or manufactured in Melbourne.

The addition of the Stralis AT to the production mix will see the Dandenong facility undergo investment in tooling and software to calibrate the AT’s adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems, and in doing so introduces new technology to the site.

Australian buyers will enjoy several benefits from the local production of AT models including greatly reduced lead times from vehicle order to delivery, and the ability to customise to order by adding factory-fitted special options and local accessories.

"Iveco is one of only a few remaining commercial vehicle brands to manufacture here – this latest expansion in Australian-based production demonstrates the company’s commitment to having a strong local manufacturing presence," Iveco Australia MD Michael Jonson says.

"The addition of Stralis AT variants to the local production mix along with other initiatives will ultimately see a modest increase in the facility’s manufacturing workforce, so this is good for the local workforce but also for Australian truck buyers who can further reap the benefits that locally-manufactured vehicles provide.

"The expansion of local production not only reflects a strong belief from Iveco Australia that local manufacturing is sustainable, but the initiative is also strongly supported by Iveco parent company CNH Industrial."

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