SigmaKalon goes Euro 5 for Stralis fleet order

Iveco has won an order for nine new Stralis Euro 5 tractor units from West Yorkshire-based SigmaKalon UK and Ireland, following a competitive trial which saw the Stralis tested against similar models from four other manufacturers.

SigmaKalon invited the other marques to supply a demonstrator which was evaluated by one of the company’s most experienced drivers, whilst senior management evaluated other key purchasing factors such as dealer support, fuel economy and value for money.

The order comprises nine Stralis Active Space 6x2 tractor units, each fitted with Iveco’s 10.3 litre Cursor 10 engine, delivering up to 450 hp between 1,500 and 2,100 rev/min and up to 2,100 Nm of torque between 1,050 and 1,550 rev/min.

Steve Jackson, Logistics Controller for SigmaKalon UK, explains: “The feedback from the driver swung in favor of the Stralis, highlighting the levels of on-board comfort and clever use of space inside the cab. He also had a lot of praise for the ergonomic dashboard layout and the automated EuroTronic transmission, both of which he felt to be best-in-class.

“Our existing experience of operating Stralis’ highlighted just how competitive fuel economy is in comparison with the other marques. We also felt the Stralis offered good value for money, with a specification which includes items such as a fridge and night-heater as standard, whereas these were optional extras in a number of the other models.

“We selected the Euro 5 specification as the additional cost spread over a number of years was minimal, whilst the further reduction in emissions fits perfectly with the company’s aim of minimizing our environmental impact,” he adds.

The new vehicles have been supplied by local Iveco distributor Northern Commercials and are each plated at 44 tonnes. They will operate with curtainside trailers, delivering pallets of paint and decorating products to high street retailers, DIY stores, builder’s merchants and SigmaKalon’s own network of 167 Johnstone’s and Leyland Decorating Centres.

SigmaKalon became one of the first operators to take delivery of the original Stralis when it was launched in 2002, and this latest delivery sees the number of Stralis’ in its fleet rise to 21. These vehicles – a mixture of tractor units and rigids – join nearly 200 Iveco Daily light commercials, with over 90 per cent of the company’s total fleet being supplied by Iveco.

The new Stralis tractors will be in operation five days a week and are expected to remain on the fleet for six years, covering up to 100,000 km a year. They each benefit from Iveco’s proven EuroTronic gearbox, which sees the gear change controls incorporated into the dashboard on the right-hand steering column stalk.

This helps to further improve cab ergonomics and makes gear changes even easier for the driver, whilst the relocation of the gear selector also opens up the flat floor area of the cab, creating additional space for the driver.