The Invest in France Agency (IFA) and the French Embassy in Italy awarded a prize to Iveco in the frame of the 2006 French-Italian Enterprises Forum that took place last Thursday in Milan. It was the recognition meant for the "most dynamic operators in bilateral relationships" that the business community awards every year to the companies that contribute to commercial and industrial relationships between France and Italy.

Jean Plenat, Managing Director of Iveco France, received the prize on behalf of the Iveco Group. The main reasons for prize awarding were: Iveco being a founding member of the 'Lyon Urban Truck & Bus' Pole of Competitiveness; its consolidated industrial activity in France; its continuous and articulated strategy for development in France in the form of investments in production activities, the latest of which was for the factory near Bourbon-Lancy.

Iveco in France

Iveco has been present in France since the beginning of its history for it was established in 1975 following the merger of five manufacturers of commercial vehicles, one of which was UNIC of Trappes. Its presence further strengthened at the end of the 90's thanks to the activities of 'Bus & Coach' by Irisbus-Iveco. At present, its production facilities in the French territory are sited in Annonay-et-Rorthais (buses) and Chambéry, where the fire-fighting vehicles are produced by its subsidiary Iveco Magirus under the brand Camiva. The factories located in Fecamp, Fourchambault, and Bourbon-Lancy are involved in the manufacture of engines (an activity that passed under the FPT brand in 2006). The Bourbon-Lancy works, mentioned by the Jury in the prize-awarding reasons, are extremely modern. They cover an area of approximately 100,000 sq m with more than 1,100 employees and an annual production capacity exceeding 40,000 engines.
 

They are certified ISO9001 - Vision2000 for managerial quality and ISO14000 for environmental protection. In 2005, Iveco's market share in France reached 12.2% with 26,400 units sold, which means a 7,5% increase relative to 2004. The presence of Irisbus-Iveco in the sector of people transportation is particularly significant covering 45% of the market. As regards the turnover, France is Iveco's first market in Western Europe after Italy, totalling a 2,484 million Euro turnover in 2005 (engine production included).

The Invest in France Agency (IFA)

This is the French government agency responsible for promotion, search and assistance to international investors in France. It consists of twenty-two offices and seventy-five representatives abroad (North America, Asia, and Europe), and works in strict cooperation with foreign embassy commercial services. The IFA, which has been operating in Italy since 1991, provides free consultancy to foreign companies with investment and development plans in France, complete with services and contacts with economic operators at local level. At territorial level, it coordinates its activities with the economic development agencies to offer the best business opportunities as well as customised services to investors.