Final Mile

IVECO’s Hi-Matic version of the ZF eight-speed full automatic transmission comes as standard.

PLACES TRADING

Recognising the demand for ready to work light trucks in the Australian market IVECO has put together the latest version of the ‘Tradie-Made’ based on the Daily 45C17 cab chassis.

Since it was launched in 1978 more than three million examples of the IVECO Daily have been sold globally in various guises. The latest Daily ‘Tradie-Made’ is a limited edition package which includes a locally built alloy tray. A similar combination was offered several years ago and achieved with it sufficient sales success to warrant a repeat in 2020. Buyers will gain a confidence-boost and reduce long term costs as this latest package includes an additional two years extended warranty on top of the standard 3 year/200,000kms, delivering a total of five years’ factory cover. The Tradie-Made package also comes with five years free servicing up to a maximum of five services. The Tradie-Made’s Euro 5 engine is the IVECO 3.0 litre diesel producing 170hp (125kW) at 2,900-3,500rpm and 430Nm (317 ft/lbs) of torque between 1,500 and 2,600 rpm. This version of the 3.0 litre engine is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger in order to deliver usable torque at low revs and promote good fuel economy throughout the rev range. The engine has low friction piston rings and IVECO specifies high quality engine oils to reduce internal friction and improve fuel consumption. The engine’s ‘smart’ alternator makes its own contribution to fuel efficiency by eliminating unnecessary load and it also maximises battery life. The Tradie-Made has as standard IVECO’s Hi-Matic version of the ZF eight-speed full automatic transmission which has a selfadaptive shift strategy. This transmission delivers noticeable smoothness and invariably ensures that the correct ratio is selected to suit the instantaneous circumstances of load, terrain and driving style. In full auto mode the ultra-fast gear changes (under 200 milliseconds) to ensure seamless power delivery to the wheels. There is also the option to push the lever across to over-ride the automatic function and manually select gears which can be handy on descents. The Hi-Matic features both ‘Eco’ and ‘Power’ modes and as we have come to expect from such technology, when Eco is selected the transmission changes gears at lower rpm, while Power mode holds the vehicle in each gear for a longer time to provide stronger acceleration or for tackling inclines when loaded. The 3,750mm wheelbase of the Daily Tradie-Made accommodates the locally built alloy tray which has external dimensions of 4,223mm length and 2,218mm width. The tray features

recessed latches for the split drop-sides and tailgate plus quick lock hinges. There are 24 internal load restraint points as well as tie rails on the sides and a tube headboard and rear window protector. A tubular alloy step is also included at each front corner to enable safe and easy access to the tray. Interior comfort is provided in the form of the suspended driver’s seat with folding armrest and the wide passenger bench seat can readily accommodate two adults. The cabin has automatic climate control air-conditioning and the dash features the IVECONNECT multi-media system incorporating GPS and Bluetooth phone connection and audio streaming with a set of controls mounted on the steering wheel. Cruise control is also standard with the Tradie-Made pack. The 16 inch dual rear wheels and the truck-style C-section chassis and multileaf spring rear suspension allow for a Gross Vehicle Mass of 4,500kgs which qualifies the Tradie-Made to be operated by a holder of a passenger vehicle licence and this Daily still can handle a payload of up to 2,000kgs. Standard safety features include airbags for the driver and passenger plus dual side curtain airbags. Four wheel disc brakes incorporate ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and IVECO’s ninth Generation Stability Control and Hill Start Aid. Daytime running lights and fog lights at the front contribute to safety in all light and weather conditions and a buzzer alarm at the rear warns bystanders when the vehicle is reversing. There are currently many options in the Australian light commercial vehicle space, ranging from 4x4 dual cab utes to large European and Asian vans, plus the smaller specification versions of cab-over trucks which fit into the sub-4, 500kg GVW envelope. Potential buyers need to consider long term practicality

A version of the 3.0 litre engine is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger.

and cost and a vehicle such as the Daily Tradie-Made is certainly worthy of a decent look. With the Tradie-Made the driver and passengers get to experience an almost car-like ride which is substantially different from any equivalent cab-over light truck alternative. In keeping with its name, the Tradie-Made ready-to-work package will find favour with the likes of plumbers and brickies, and at the same time should provide a practical option for operators handling smaller loads of freight where a tray top is a better alternative to a van.

FAST FACT Despite a towbar not being included in the Tradie-Made list of standard equipment, the towing capacity with a braked trailer is 3,500kgs.

LOAN RANGERS

As a small team, PACCAR Financial can respond, without delay, to the needs of its customers and provide a personalised service in cycles of economic downturn that help comfort transport businesses in times of distress.

The start of 2020, the 41st year of business for PACCAR Financial, has been unlike anything else the industry has seen before. Bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 crisis have brought about unprecedented disruptions to the supply chain. For many regional businesses this has impacted their productivity in some way. With that said, there are others, in the current environment, busier than ever. Between its long standing loyal and growing customer bases, PACCAR Financial helps manage many thousands of trucks and trailers whether through commercial hire purchase, finance operating lease or chattel mortgage. Being a small team is an advantage. As it doesn’t operate any offshore call centres, many of which are temporarily closing for the practices of social distancing under COVID-19 regulations, PACCAR Financial remains accessible and agile, so that it can act fast on behalf of its customers. At times like these it understands its customers require an approach tailored to their needs especially when businesses can’t afford to stop. According to PACCAR Financial Managing Director Roland Hollingsworth customers are appreciating the understanding and flexibility. “There’s a lot of uncertainty out there. People with cash on hand at the moment are worried about what might happen in the future,” he says. “Once we talk about it and discuss what the options are they generally, without exception, go away feeling comfortable.” PacLease, which has over 120 rental trucks across Australia, is acting swiftly to meet demand as general freight, supermarkets and essential services continue to surge. PacLease General Manager Andrew Molnar says the business model is particularly suited to customers who can’t afford traditional long lead times for delivery of a prime mover. “They might take on a truck for a demand that lasts a couple of months, depending on how long this situation goes on for, but if it goes on for longer they’ve got the flexibility to keep on the truck,” he says. “If it’s shorter than what everyone is expecting then they can hand the truck

PacLease has access to DAF trucks in a number of applications.

back when they’re done with it as well.” Should a subcontractor go on leave for a week or a vehicle get sidelined for repairs, PacLease can provide rental trucks for a day, a week or up to 12 months. It has access to Kenworth and DAF trucks in a variety of applications. “There’s a range of different gear available to suit the application,” says Andrew. “We can tailor the rental to whatever the marketplace requirement is.” At a time when customers might worry about having their loan held up, PACCAR Financial can utilise electronic loan document execution. This way loan documents, according to Roland, can be generated and sent to the customer electronically. “The documents go onto a web portal where the customer can review everything at their leisure and then sign them all off on the web portal,” he explains. “We’ll cash the loan and they’ll go pick up their truck the same day. There’s not a lot of lenders that accept a quote who would be able to turn around loan documentation that quickly. In this current environment electronic execution is very useful because customers are telling us that they don’t want us out visiting and handling physical pieces of paper, so they feel comforted that we don’t need to do that. It’s part of our versatility.” Having a local presence also helps. Other lenders, with overseas staff, can be less responsive. PACCAR Financial, based out of Melbourne, prides itself on being easy to reach. Roland says he is pleased they are continuing to do business through these tumultuous times. “Our lending volume hasn’t dropped significantly at all. Customers aren’t delaying getting their new truck,” he says. “That tells me the freight task is out there. Our customers need new trucks. They still need to grow their fleets.”

Supporting Kenworth and DAF customers for over 40 years.

PACCAR Financial and PacLease are here to support your business needs through our customised loan products available nationwide. Call us today to discuss your requirements on 1800 455 155.