Trucking Magazine – August 2019

http://www.truckingmag.co.uk August 2019 TRUCKING 27

X-WAY has a thicker

heavy-duty chassis

Handbrake design

is still ‘traditional’

Connectivity options

Iveco is plugging the connectivity of the trucks which it says will reduce downtime

by diagnosing many potential faults before they happen. This will allow vehicles to

visit workshops for preventative maintenance rather than enforced maintenance at

the roadside.

The new trucks also benefit from telematics which will enable operators to

identify how each truck and its driver is performing, and implement any necessary

training should a driver not be getting the best from the truck.

The Connectivity box inside the truck is linked to the new Microsoft Azure

cloud-based infrastructure, which puts each vehicle in direct communication with

Iveco’s Control Room to provide real-time data. Iveco specialists then monitor the

vehicle round-the-clock to maximise the vehicle’s uptime.

S-WAY’s connectivity was also developed with the driver in mind to help them

drive more safely. The new Easy app is designed to facilitate the driver’s life on

board, enabling them to control all the cabin and vehicle management

functionalities via their smartphone. In addition, they can use the app to activate the

Assistance Non-Stop service and access the Remote Assistance Service.

However, the former lifts up into the
path of the latter, so they will hit – and
scratch the paint – if the driver is not
careful. The lower locker is ideal for
susies, hard hats and all the dirty stuff.
The top locker can also be accessed from
inside by lifting the bunk.
The headlights have been improved
and the whole cluster set-up is much
smaller than the Stralis, and
incorporates indicators, running lights
and fog lamps. The full LED lights have a
much sharper beam that carries further,
improving visibility and obstacle
perception by 15 per cent.

X - WAY
At the launch, there were some X-WAY
vehicles on show as well. These are the
construction/off-road variants – the
equivalent of Scania’s XT and Volvo’s
FMX – and they have a thicker 7.7 mm
chassis and steel bumper, rather than
the plastic one on the S-WAY. The
standard chassis thickness is 6.7 mm.
X-WAY is actually a name Iveco has
been using for its heavy-duty range,
and the trucks on show were 4x2
tractors with short tri-axle half-pipe
tipper trailers.
The new bumper design with
integrated deflectors, together with the
new design of the wheel arches, create
flowing lines that optimise air flow and
make a statement with a distinctive
style. Aerodynamic performance is
enhanced by features to reduce drag by
closing gaps, including optimised
aerodynamic kit and sideskirts with
rubber extensions to close up the space
between tractor and semi-trailer.

There is also a foldable retractable

front step for the driver to stand on to

clean the windscreens. This can be

lowered by operating a catch behind

the grille.

For some strange reason, Iveco only

puts the model designation badge on one

door, which will infuriate truck

photographers – and no doubt caption-

writing truck journos as well! Why?

Who knows, but it seems strange –

especially as for many drivers the

badge is very important, especially if you

have a 570!

Production plans

The new models will go into production

now and will be long-haul trucks with

the wider cabs at first. There will be an

overlap with the old Stralis continuing

in production until October, although

Euro 3 versions of the old models will

continue in production for African

markets for the foreseeable future.

The narrow-cab trucks will start

production next year and right-hand

drive vehicles will start production in

April 2020 – with operators able to

order the trucks form December in the

UK. The T-WAY range will also start

production next year.

The new trucks will not be any

lighter than the old models, and there

will be a slight price rise of “about five

per cent”, which Iveco says will be

offset by the increased fuel savings

and lower TCO.