Twelfth new Stralis completes Driveforce UK order

Driveforce UK has taken delivery of twelve new Iveco Stralis car transporters which are expected to cover up to 100,000 km a year delivering a mixture of cars and vans across the UK.

The new vehicles increase the company’s total fleet size to 22 units, and are fitted with a mixture of Transport Engineering Plus 11 and Rolfo Formula Orion bodywork and trailers, eleven of which are capable of carrying up to 12 cars at a time. The twelfth vehicle features a covered body which can be used to discreetly transport show vehicles and prototypes, with a maximum capacity of five vehicles.

Supplied by Yeovil-based Iveco distributor Hendy Van & Truck, the Stralis AT440S43FP-CT’s will operate from the company’s headquarters in Sharpness, Gloucestershire.

“Our vehicles are typically on the road from Monday morning until Friday evening with the drivers living on board, so selecting a vehicle with a comfortable and spacious cab was a top priority,” says Gary Chapman, Managing Director of Driveforce UK.

“Since joining the fleet I’ve been impressed with the overall performance of the Stralis, and the Cursor 10 engine provides plenty of power for our operation,” he adds.

Expected to remain on the fleet for up to five years, each Stralis will be responsible for transporting approximately 2,500 vehicles a year on behalf of manufacturers, dealers, rental companies and large fleets.

The Stralis’ are equipped with low-roof Active Time cabs which feature an air-sprung driver’s seat which adjusts for reach, height and rake, and upholstered in a smart red cloth. The cab also includes a single low-level bunk with under bunk storage, together with a conveniently located control panel which enables the driver to operate the electric windows, interior lights and alarm clock.

Like all models in the Stralis range, the new vehicles feature a state-of-the-art dashboard and instrument panel design, which is dominated by an easy-to-read five-inch colour screen relaying a wealth of important information to the driver. The menu functions are controlled by buttons on the steering wheel, which makes it possible to read the status of many vehicle parameters: from average speed to fuel consumption to the vehicle’s maintenance condition.

Finished in a white and blue livery, the vehicles are powered by Iveco’s 10.3 litre Cursor 10 engine, which is capable of producing up to 430 hp between 1,590 and 2,100 rev/min, driven through an automated EuroTronic gearbox.