Multi-marque trial results in Iveco Stralis order for Meachers

Meachers Transport & Warehousing has taken delivery of its first five Iveco Stralis Active Space tractor units, following a comprehensive testing programme involving vehicles from seven manufacturers.

The five Stralis AS440S43TX/P’s have been supplied by local Iveco distributor Hendy Van & Truck and join a 70-strong fleet, comprised entirely of ERF and MAN models.

They will operate at 44 tonnes with tri-axle curtainside trailers, carrying out general haulage and distribution work between the company’s two depots in Southampton and Derby.

"We trialled demonstrators from DAF, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Scania and Volvo before ordering Iveco’s flagship tractor unit," says Bob Terris, Managing Director of Meachers Group Holdings. "No one builds a bad truck these days and all vehicles returned a healthy fuel economy, but the Stralis recorded the best performance at 10.2 mpg and came in for a lot of praise from the drivers.

"It’s the first time in 20 years we have been on the market for anything other than an ERF or an MAN, and so long as the Iveco’s perform well, there will be further orders to follow," adds Mr Terris.

The vehicles have been supplied on a three year lease from Iveco Finance, which includes full servicing and maintenance at Hendy Van & Truck’s facility in Eastleigh, Hampshire. In operation five and a half days a week, the vehicles are double-shifted and are expected to cover up to 160,000 km a year.

The Stralis 6x2’s are fitted with a mid-steering axle and 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 and up to 1,900 Nm of torque between 1,050 and 1,590 rev/min. This proven Iveco engine guarantees sufficient power for even the most demanding general haulage operations.

Until May 2005, Meachers Group Holdings operated its own MAN-ERF vehicle servicing division, KL Commercials, before selling to Harwoods Ltd. This followed a strategic decision by Meachers to focus on its core activities of transport, warehousing and freight forwarding, where it has a strong and well established market position.