Before IVECO‘s forthcoming Australian release of Euro 6-powered Stralis models – years ahead of mandated Australian emissions regulations – the new engines are being put under the engineering microscope to ensure they live up to the company‘s strict performance and environmental benchmarks.

Among a fleet of evaluation vehicles are two 6×4 prime movers, an AT and AS-L, that are seeing service with leading logistics company, Redstar Transport. Redstar is using the vehicles on interstate routes, namely from Melbourne to Adelaide return, hauling glass in single trailer applications grossing approximately 40 tonnes.

It‘s demanding and high mileage work, which has already seen the two trucks clock up more than 100,000 kilometres in just a few months.

As part of the evaluation phase, the trucks will cover a minimum of 300,000 kilometres each, during which time vehicle performance data will be downloaded and analysed on a weekly basis. The trucks‘ fluids will also be sampled every 25,000 kilometres.

As well as providing superior emission performance, the Euro 6 IVECO Cursor engines will also provide new levels of fuel efficiency.

In Europe certified testing by leading technical certification centre TÜV SÜD, has shown that the European-spec Euro 6 Stralis can deliver fuel efficiency gains of 11.2 percent compared with the previous models in real conditions.

“The trucks have integrated well into the existing fleet and are returning good fuel efficiency figures,” said Redstar Logistics director, Frank Zagami.

“The drivers have commented positively on these Stralis models. They‘re saying the ride is very good, they‘re manoeuvrable and there‘s plenty of power in the engine for the application they‘re working in.”

Zagami said the Euro 6 Stralis – particularly the AS-L with its large sleeping area – were well matched for the work being undertaken with Redstar.

“The ASL-L with its bigger sleeper compartment is ideal for the interstate runs and overall both trucks are well suited to the job of carrying glass. We think they will make a very good single trailer unit.”

Once local development and testing of the Stralis‘ new engines have been completed, the Euro 6 Stralis AT and AS-L models will begin production at IVECO‘s Melbourne manufacturing facility. The trucks will feature up to 55 percent local componentry.