Interview

8 | INTERVIEW

Positive Road Ahead for Commercial

Vehicle Sector – Thomas Hilse, Brand President, Iveco ultra-successful Daily range. Updated in the ecommerce, express parcel sectors last year with up-to-date connectivity seem to prefer. and advanced safety systems, the future versions will feature next generation Similarly, as an advocator of hydrogen electric powertrains. Following the launch fuel cell (H2) technology, he doesn’t of a revised version of the existing model, see this water based clean propulsion which is due towards the end of the year system as suitable for light commercials and into 2021, Th omas said that the as yet. (Interestingly, Renault Pro+ is specifi c merits of the Daily will evolve about to introduce H2 as a hybrid option into the electric world, citing strengths in its vans.) such as “durability, reliability and that its unique chassis frame lends itself to the Iveco’s initial collaboration with Nikola fi tt ing of the batt ery packs.” will lead to bigger things as future “Due for launch in 2022, we feel it’s the co-operations, according to Thomas.

Unlike the recession of right time for the introduction of the next Expect therefore to see electrifi ed versions 2008/2009, the commercial generation Daily Electric, from a fl eet and of the Iveco Eurocargo medium duty Vehicle marketplace is in retail buyer perspective,” he added. truck range to go on sale in Nikola’s a bett er position to come out of the home patch in North America, while it’s current downturn for a number of Th omas noted that more and more city not beyond the realms of possibility that reasons, according to Th omas Hilse, restrictions will be put in place in the the next Daily family could make its way Brand President, Iveco. In an exclusive future, with government support to drive across the Atlantic to CNH Industrial interview with Executive members of the towards zero emission and benefi t from dealerships over there. Both vehicles International Van of the Year Award Jury the economic stimulus. “Even during the would fi ll a gap in Nikola’s line-up as the (IVOTY), Mr. Hilse stated that a quicker COVID-19 lockdown here in Turin, we heavy duty range is covered by the One turnaround is imminent: “Unlike the were able to see what our cities could be and Two (bonneted) trucks, while in the last time, where it took over fi ve years like in the future, with less traffi c, lower lower weight category there is the new to recover, [we are bett er placed] due emissions and reduced noise.” Cities Badger H2/EV Pick-up. to bett er Government positioning and like Turin will therefore push harder reaction this time around, while the to implement zero emission zones. But Thomas’ take on autonomus driving banking system is bett er prepared.” Th omas is of the opinion the ‘Path to Zero’ has changed and believes that advanced is not confi ned to Electric Mobility and driverless technological developments He also mentioned that the various mentioned that Natural Gas, particularly should be scaled back – “as the technology commercial vehicle brands were there Bio sourced, can reach the required target. will be fully established long before the to support their dealer networks and in “Batt ery technology can adequately cover legislation will allow it to happen.” turn could assist their customers; “so that last mile requirements but over longer Without conformity across country liquidity could remain”. Also, in deference distances, Biomethane Natural Gas is borders autonomus driving will not to the last occasion, the transport sector the answer.” work, he noted, as its efficiency can remained buoyant, as operators provided only be achieved over long distance a vital service to the needs of the health “Exemptions on road tolls and other tax routes. “Drivers will always be needed,” system and the general public. incentives will help to cover the additional he stressed. initial costs,” he added and exampled Th omas acknowledged that the continuous Germany’s Federal Government in this Further potential is to be achieved with an growth in ecommerce will help clawback regard. expanded Daily range. Th e CNG Natural light commercial sales, borne out by Iveco’s Power variant will have its range distance “good order intake for the Daily range”, With reference to the Daily Vision concept extended to 750km, while the 4x4 version which indicates a “quicker rebound”. premiered a few years ago, Th omas stated will be off ered in weight sizes beyond 7.0 that some aspects of the prototype’s design tonnes GVW. Th e expanded Daily line“Th e medium to heavy segments will was ‘spot-on’ in terms of application up will therefore cater for both ends of react more slowly,” he estimates, as fl eet and connectivity elements but gave the the of the LCV segment – light to heavy, replacement cycles will remain somewhat thumbs down to hybrid (petrol/dieseloff ering signifi cant cost benefi ts to the normal. electric) drivetrains as a long-term option. owner operator. In addition, in his estimation, the panel product developments will necessitate Covering a number of topics, the interview van design will have to give way to the focused initially on the future of the chassis/cab body application, as operators