Iveco Daily aids Telstra NBN push

Iveco's Daily LCV will provide Telstra with a mobile retail presence throughout regional Australia as the telco promotes the NBN and its latest products and services

Telstra has just taken delivery of the first of several distinctive Iveco Daily models that will serve as mobile retail shops, the fleet assisting the telecommunications giant to promote a variety of products and services in regional and outback areas throughout the roll-out of the National Broadband Network.

Based upon the long-wheelbase Daily 5017C cab/chassis, the initial eight vehicles are being custom-built in Queensland.

Telstra's Brisbane-based Fleet Engineering and Procurement officer, Alan Johnson, said the Daily cab/chassis was perfect for meeting the exacting role's needs.

"The Daily was the best fit variant in the market segment and the only vehicle that met all our operational requirements," he said.

"The mobile stores have been designed to allow Telstra to promote and demonstrate its products and services in areas where Telstra may not have a retail store presence. The mobile stores will also be used at promotional, local community and sporting events and in regional areas where the NBN is starting to come on-line."

Telstra favoured the model – which is powered by a 3.0-litre, four–cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a manual tranmission – was favoured by Telstra because its 4500kg GVM allows it to be driven on a standard car licence. Its light tare weight, rear-wheel-drive format, comfortable cabin and good towing capability also helped seal the deal.

Telstra says will add to the initial fleet of eight Daily models in the not-too-distant future.

"Any future units would be for the slightly higher spec vehicle, featuring additional factory options such as rear air suspension, driver and passenger suspension seats, upgraded entertainment centre, and a fridge," said Mr Johnson.

The company is also looking at a modified version of Iveco's 4WD Daily cab/chassis, for use as a tool and test service vehicle.

"We have worked through Telstra's range of applications and operational requirements where the 4WD version could be adapted to suit our business requirements and have gone to the extent of sketching up body styles to suit our applications," he added.

Next year will see the first examples of Iveco's next-general New Daily LCV arrive in this country. The New Daily was honoured as 'International Van of the Year 2015' at the recent IAA commercial vehicle expo in Hanover, Germany.

Iveco Daily aids Telstra NBN push

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