IVECO passes Aussie milestone

Melbourne-based truck brand IVECO has passed a major milestone, the company notching up three decades since its arrival in the Australian market.

It was May 1992 when IVECO acquired International Trucks, the storied brand having fallen on difficult times. After taking the reins and injecting some much-needed funds and resources into the Dandenong-based firm, the new entity became International Trucks Australia, before it later became IVECO Trucks Australia Limited in 2002.

Related reading:
Spreader fleet upgrades with IVECO Trakkers
IVECO Group consolidates New Zealand sales operations
IVECO lauds top dealers

The move allowed IVECO to leverage the historic International brand’s high-profile standing in the local market and give it several well-established models such as the ACCO, but it also served as a launching pad in Australia for the IVECO name.

IVECO continued to invest in the ACCO line while introducing the heavy-duty Powerstar, Eurotech and Eurostar models, followed in later years by the Stralis. The medium-duty Eurocargo was also added to the line-up, along with – from 1999 – the Daily range of vans and cab-chassis models.

IVECO Australia Managing Director, Michael May, said the Australian commercial vehicle industry has transformed over the three decades in which IVECO’s products have plied our roads.

“Our brand has certainly come a long way since taking those first steps in the Australian market,” he said.

“While core benefits such as reliability and low total cost of ownership are just as important now as they were 30 years ago, the truck or van purchaser of today is much more sophisticated.

“Current buyers not only want a vehicle with the correct specification ‘to get the job done’, they also seek the latest in safety equipment, superior emission performance, connectivity and driver comfort.

“Product aside, they also want the back-up and support that makes vehicle ownership as seamless and cost-effective as possible. To achieve this, IVECO has expanded and strengthened its network with strong partners who are focused on servicing customers.

“The last 30 years confirms that change is inevitable, and to successfully remain meeting customer needs, companies need to continually evaluate and adjust their offerings.”

Mr May also paused to thank IVECO’s employees for their unwavering commitment through the years – commitment that has maintained the company’s resilience through good times and bad.

“We are proud at IVECO to play a strong part in building and developing leading talent within our industry,” he said.

“And we are also fortunate to have benefited from the services of many extremely dedicated and focused staff members over the years.

“Our people make up the fabric of our brand and contribute greatly to IVECO’s positive culture – I look forward to seeing what the next 30 years brings for IVECO in Australia.”