Iveco
has been recognised by the Low Carbon Vehicle
Partnership with a prestigious award for being the Low
Carbon Heavy Duty Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year 2011.
The award, sponsored by
the Road Haulage Association, was presented at the Low
Carbon Champions Awards, held at the
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in
Westminster, London.
The judges said Iveco
was a worthy winner having established a strong
portfolio of lower carbon technologies including a wide
range of natural gas-powered vehicles, together with
dedicated electric and hybrid models across its full
range of commercial vehicles. Judges also praised Iveco
for actively supporting the introduction of new
technology through innovative promotion, making special
reference to the successful launch of its new EcoStralis
tractor unit.
Martin Flach, Product
Director at Iveco UK, said: “This is a fantastic award
to win as it clearly recognises the breadth of Iveco’s
low carbon expertise in the commercial vehicle sector as
being second to none. It reflects the fact
that Iveco has been investing heavily in alternative
fuels since the mid-1990s and that today we offer more
alternative fuel vehicles in the European market from
3.5 tonnes and above than any other manufacturer.”
Iveco has been
investing in a clearly defined two tier strategy to
minimise CO2 output from its commercial
vehicles for many years. Sitting alongside investment
in alternative fuels and traction systems is the
continual evolution of the diesel engine, which in
January 2011 saw the launch of the EcoStralis – billed
by Iveco as the cleanest and greenest diesel-powered
heavy truck on the market.
There was further
success for Iveco at the Awards, after key customer
Coca-Cola Enterprises and fuel supplier Gasrec were
named as joint winners of the Low Carbon Fuel Initiative
of the Year Award 2011.
Coca-Cola Enterprises
were recognised for having successfully
embedded corporate responsibility and sustainability into their daily
business activities. This sees the company operating
Iveco Stralis rigids running on compressed biomethane –
with fuel provided by Gasrec, Iveco UK’s preferred
natural gas supplier.
