truck technology When it comes to trucks, the adage of ‘saving the best for last’ probably applies more to Freightliner Argosy than any other. Despite the initial hype and high hopes, Argosy’s Australian journey was fraught with frustrations until engineering evolution finally fashioned a truck with the durability to match its world-class design. But as Owner// Driver discovers, Argosy advocate Kevin Bakewell’s only concern now is knowing his latest will also be his last
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S THINGS stand at the moment, there’s just a handful of Argosy cab-overs still remaining on Freightliner’s books. When they’re sold, there will be no more. Ever! While competitive interests are no doubt smiling at the imminence of Argosy’s end, proponents are already lamenting the loss of a model which, despite a decidedly chequered history, has been a critical platform for Freightliner operations in Australia since the day it first landed here more than 20 years ago. According to Freightliner’s figures, upwards of 7,500 units have been delivered to Australian operators since Argosy hit our shores in early ’99, making it arguably the most popular and productive truck in the brand’s Australian history.
Smart start The early excitement around Argosy was almost palpable. Sporting a stylish, appealing cab bristling with innovative features, it was the first entirely new US cab-over to be developed in decades and, for many, an overdue alternative to Kenworth’s long-serving K-series. It seemed the only thing matching the hype and fanfare at the model’s launch was the expectation of Australian truck operators and drivers. Even so, Argosy quickly suffered setbacks and there’s no doubt that for at least the first decade of life Down Under, the model was beset by quality and durability issues which caused considerable angst and disappointment for its leagues of early supporters. Equally, however, there’s no doubt engineering
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ARGOSY’S L evolution has made this final generation of Argosy, first launched in 2011, the best of the breed by a massive degree.
Size and space Nonetheless, the end is nigh and the prospect of life without the classy Yank cab-over does not sit well with the likes of Kevin Bakewell, a regional fleet owner who, in May last year, took delivery of the last Argosy to land on Australian soil.
“I knew Argosy’s days were numbered but had no clue my truck would be the last to land here,” Bakewell explains. “I’m happy to have the truck, obviously, but it wasn’t a planned event or anything like that. “It just happened that way but if it was up to me, it most definitely would not be the last. I’d keep buying them if Freightliner kept building them,” he asserts with blunt certainty and more than a hint of disappointment. Yet as he stands quietly for a few moments, eyeing the latest of his five Argosys as driver Chris Lewis puts the
ownerdriver.com.au
1/7/20 12:29 pm
