Iveco Eurocargos do a sterling job for national training provider

Iveco is in the process of delivering a fleet of four new model Iveco Eurocargos to nationwide LGV training provider Sterling Training, based in Basildon, joining a fleet of 14 similar Eurocargos delivered within the last 18 months.

This major investment in new vehicles follows changes in the law which has meant training providers are required to operate vehicles with at least eight gears, box bodies and ensure their fleet has a minimum gross vehicle weight of 12 tonnes.

“We’ve purchased approximately 100 different Iveco trucks since we founded the company in 1997, and based on their performance and suitability to our fleet we had no reason to look elsewhere for these latest orders,” says Danny Allso, Operations Director at Sterling Training.

“The Eurocargo is a strong all-round fleet performer and as one of the single most popular trucks on the road in the UK, it’s an ideal vehicle for our pupils to learn on. It’s also a very driver-friendly vehicle, and the upgraded cab in the latest model provides a really comfortable environment for providing instruction. With the same driver’s seat as the top-of-the-range Stralis, our pupils have never been as comfortable,” he adds.

Each of the new vehicles have also been specified with Iveco’s factory-fitted drawbar pack, which affords Sterling Training the option of connecting them to any of the trailers in its fleet at a later date. This ensures maximum flexibility by enabling the Eurocargos to be suitable for both Category C and C+E licenses.

“Another key factor for maintaining our allegiance to Iveco is the strength of its dealer network. Our vehicles operate across various locations nationwide, and the number of Iveco outlets means we are never far from a franchised service workshop when the vehicle is ready for its routine service. Employing our own team of fitters would be a massive commitment, so we let Iveco take care of all of our servicing and maintenance,” he explains.

Purchased outright from Hayes-based Iveco distributor Dagenham Motors, the new fleet of 12 tonners are finished in a striking black livery and powered by 5.9 litre tector engines which produce 217 hp at 2,700 rev/min and up to 680 Nm of torque between 1,200 and 2,100 rev/min, driven through nine-speed manual gearboxes with a dashboard-mounted gear lever and servoshift.

Whilst all UK spec new Eurocargos are fitted with the Eurotronic gearbox as standard, it is possible to specify a manual gearbox if required.

Each vehicle also benefits from a revised dashboard which houses a centrally mounted console that has been completely renewed to ensure optimum location for the most commonly used buttons and switches, such as the heated mirrors, programmable speed limiter and foglights – all conveniently located within easy reach of the driver.

Another of the most notable changes inside the latest Eurocargo is the all new ergonomic seating, which for the first time sees drivers benefit from the same high specification seats found in Iveco’s Stralis heavy trucks. As a new safety feature, a driver’s seat belt warning system is also included, in which a persistent audible warning sounds when the vehicle moves off and the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. Comfort is also further increased through revised door panels which incorporate an improved arm rest, featuring electric windows and mirror adjust, whilst the door pockets have ample capacity for storing personal belongings.

The door/ignition key for the new model has also been enhanced to ensure increased key strength and added vehicle security, whilst an engine immobilizer is standard across the complete new Eurocargo range.