8 | INTERVIEW
Positive Road Ahead for Commercial Vehicle Sector – Thomas Hilse, Brand President, Iveco ultra-successful Daily range. Updated last year with up-to-date connectivity and advanced safety systems, the future versions will feature next generation electric powertrains. Following the launch of a revised version of the existing model, which is due towards the end of the year and into 2021, Thomas said that the specific merits of the Daily will evolve into the electric world, citing strengths such as “durability, reliability and that its unique chassis frame lends itself to the fitt ing of the battery packs.”
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nlike the recession of 2008/2009, the commercial Vehicle marketplace is in a better position to come out of the current downturn for a number of reasons, according to Thomas Hilse, Brand President, Iveco. In an exclusive interview with Executive members of the International Van of the Year Award Jury (IVOTY), Mr. Hilse stated that a quicker turnaround is imminent: “Unlike the last time, where it took over five years to recover, [we are better placed] due to better Government positioning and reaction this time around, while the banking system is better prepared.” He also mentioned that the various commercial vehicle brands were there to support their dealer networks and in turn could assist their customers; “so that liquidity could remain”. Also, in deference to the last occasion, the transport sector remained buoyant, as operators provided a vital service to the needs of the health system and the general public. Thomas acknowledged that the continuous growth in ecommerce will help clawback light commercial sales, borne out by Iveco’s “good order intake for the Daily range”, which indicates a “quicker rebound”. “The medium to heavy segments will react more slowly,” he estimates, as fleet replacement cycles will remain somewhat normal. Covering a number of topics, the interview focused initially on the future of the FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Autumn 2020
“Due for launch in 2022, we feel it’s the right time for the introduction of the next generation Daily Electric, from a fleet and retail buyer perspective,” he added. Thomas noted that more and more city restrictions will be put in place in the future, with government support to drive towards zero emission and benefit from the economic stimulus. “Even during the COVID-19 lockdown here in Turin, we were able to see what our cities could be like in the future, with less traffic, lower emissions and reduced noise.” Cities like Turin will therefore push harder to implement zero emission zones. But Thomas is of the opinion the ‘Path to Zero’ is not confi ned to Electric Mobility and mentioned that Natural Gas, particularly Bio sourced, can reach the required target. “Battery technology can adequately cover last mile requirements but over longer distances, Biomethane Natural Gas is the answer.” “Exemptions on road tolls and other tax incentives will help to cover the additional initial costs,” he added and exampled Germany’s Federal Government in this regard. With reference to the Daily Vision concept premiered a few years ago, Thomas stated that some aspects of the prototype’s design was ‘spot-on’ in terms of application and connectivity elements but gave the thumbs down to hybrid (petrol/dieselelectric) drivetrains as a long-term option. In addition, in his estimation, the panel van design will have to give way to the chassis/cab body application, as operators
in the ecommerce, express parcel sectors seem to prefer. Similarly, as an advocator of hydrogen fuel cell (H2) technology, he doesn’t see this water based clean propulsion system as suitable for light commercials as yet. (Interestingly, Renault Pro+ is about to introduce H2 as a hybrid option in its vans.) Iveco’s initial collaboration with Nikola will lead to bigger things as future product developments will necessitate co-operations, according to Thomas. Expect therefore to see electrified versions of the Iveco Eurocargo medium duty truck range to go on sale in Nikola’s home patch in North America, while it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the next Daily family could make its way across the Atlantic to CNH Industrial dealerships over there. Both vehicles would fi ll a gap in Nikola’s line-up as the heavy duty range is covered by the One and Two (bonneted) trucks, while in the lower weight category there is the new Badger H2/EV Pick-up. Thomas’ take on autonomus driving has changed and believes that advanced driverless technological developments should be scaled back – “as the technology will be fully established long before the legislation will allow it to happen.” Without conformity across country borders autonomus driving will not work, he noted, as its efficiency can only be achieved over long distance routes. “Drivers will always be needed,” he stressed. Further potential is to be achieved with an expanded Daily range. The CNG Natural Power variant will have its range distance extended to 750km, while the 4x4 version will be offered in weight sizes beyond 7.0 tonnes GVW. The expanded Daily lineup will therefore cater for both ends of the of the LCV segment – light to heavy, offering significant cost benefits to the owner operator.
By: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
