Iveco has begun the roll-out of new generation heavy-duty product with its S-Way models launched in Auckland recently.

The event at Iveco New Zealand headquarters in Wiri was attended by Iveco Australia New Zealand managing director Michael May, who says the new models represent an aligning with European model choices following the decision to close the Dandenong assembly plant near Melbourne.

“We wanted to make sure we are aligning with the latest technology from Europe. We could continue [with the Dandenong operation], but we would need to invest tens of millions in that facility. Or we could align with Europe and get access to the latest products from Europe. 

“That’s why we have made the decision for New Zealand and Australia to bring ourselves in step with Europe. We will bring Euro VI Step E class leading trucks to the market, the cleanest product you can buy in this space.”

May says the event was the first public reveal function for the S-Way in Australasia and there was also a “teaser” reveal of the new T-Way model also due in New Zealand soon.

“It’s the region’s first public reveal of the new S-Way and T-Way. We haven’t even done this yet in Australia,” May says.

On show for guests were two S-Way 570 6x4 models (one with a locally enhanced RVE leather interior) along with 460 6x4 and 570 8x4 variants and an example of the new T-Way 410 4x4.

In full the new S-Way will offer 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 8x4 and 10x4 variants. Power outputs available in the local market are 360hp, 460hp and 570hp matched to ZF transmissions.

All engines are Euro 6 (Step E) and feature Iveco’s Hi-SCR exhaust treatment strategy without EGR. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, driver assessment and full LED lighting with bending headlights. Iveco says a slimmer A pillar improves visibility and the cab layout is focused on the driver and modern connectivity.

Pieter Theron, Iveco Trucks NZ Truck Sales Executive says the S-Way range will have a wider range of applications than its predecessor with the addition of 8x4 tractor, 6x2 rigid and the 10x4 models (with lift and steer rear axle). He expects strong demand from bulk tipper operators for the S-Way 6x4 510hp in low roof configuration.

Iveco also outlined its “Driving the Road to Change” strategy that began in New Zealand with the opening of the head office dealership in 2019 and now extends to a strengthened sales and service network to support the new models.

“Locally in New Zealand we have spent a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of money ensuring we have got the team to support our customers on the ground,” says Iveco NZ dealer principal Barry Woods.

“We have also spent a lot of time putting together our total cost of ownership package and new finance packages.”

The debut of the two new heavy duty models begins a busy phase of model activity for Iveco.

An Australasian trial of battery electric eDaily models will begin later this year with a least one example being evaluated in New Zealand.

“We will soon bring an eDaily to this market. I think our Daily product is quite unique because it goes up to 7-tonne and into the space of some of our Japanese competitors, but in a safe European manner. From the driver’s perspective it’s next level,” says Michael May.

“The modularity of the Daily chassis frame gives us an ability to grow up or down, not only on electric but also on fuel cell electric where we have a trial partnership with Hyundai at the moment.”

The Iveco EuroCargo is also scheduled for an important update in 2024.