Iveco is delivering 21 of its new generation of heavy vehicles to Sydney-based national transport outfit Alvaro Transport.
Currently undergoing a rejuvenation of its fleet, the regenerative process is a similar one for its managing director Mario Alvaro, whose introduction to the industry came through his father Antonio. Initially starting as contractors, Mario eventually began Alvaro Transport in 2002.
Iveco says that back then, an important point of difference for the business was providing customers with exactly what they needed. This included custom specified trucks, bodies and trailers that were perfectly suited to transporting customers’ goods.
Now, 22 years on, Iveco says it’s a philosophy that continues to hold Alvaro in good stead, with its employee count now standing at 225 people, including contractors.
Alvaro’s children Tony and Isabella have recently joined the family operation. Alvaro says that both are making their mark on the company.
“Tony’s been with us for around 10 years now and Isabella for three,” Alvaro says.
“They bring a fresh perspective to the business, they have different ideas and are more technology inclined, it gives us a future focus and different perspectives to my own.”
Iveco says that the company’s eye on the future and having access to the latest equipment innovation has led it to purchase 21 new S-Way AT460 4×2 prime movers as part of its ongoing fleet renewal process.
The purchase of these trucks sees a strong and long-term association between Alvaro and Iveco continue. Since purchasing its first truck from one of Iveco’s local dealers, Sydney Trucks and Machinery, in 2002, Alvaro’s fleet features Iveco’s trucks prominently.
Distributing exclusively to ASX-listed clients, Alvaro says that its customers had high expectations about the quality of the vehicles that are used to transport products, as well as the levels of governance and systems that each company’s freight partners had in place.
“Factors such as emission performance, safety features and the general technology inclusions of the fleet are all considered during truck purchase,” Alvaro says.
“These are not only important requirements for our clients, but also for Alvaro Transport as a business.”
The S-Way prime movers feature Euro6 rated 460 hp/ 2150 Nm engines matched to 12-speed Hi-Tronix Automated Manual Transmissions. Iveco says this combination is well suited to the trucks’ metropolitan and intrastate delivery routes.
Safety features include an advanced emergency braking system, brake assistance system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, electronic stability program with ABS, anti-slip regulation, Hill Holder and Driver Style Evaluation (DSE) plus Driver Attention Support (DAS).
The S-Ways have now been a part of Alvaro’s fleet for several months. Alvaro says they have impressed and exceeded his own and driver expectations.
“We’ve always had a great run from our IVECOs, over the years they’ve been reliable, comfortable, easy to service and fit for the task,” Alvaro says.
“The S-Way takes this performance to a whole new level – the drivability of the trucks, the quality of the driveline, the safety and the comfort they provide is great.
“The drivers are extremely happy and they’re also commenting about the power and how well the trucks pull for the GCM (50t).”
Iveco says that additional S-Way prime movers will join the Alvaro fleet in the coming month as it continues its rejuvenation.
Servicing of the vehicles is undertaken through both Alvaro’s internal workshop and via STM, which Alvaro says he has an excellent relationship with.