Starting 2014 at a certified low

I love the beginning of a new year, you never know exactly what it might have in store for you … I’m a “glass half full” kind of guy – so I always expect the best. And with Sasol’s launch, in November last year, of its turbodiesel ULS 10 parts per million (ppm), which complies with international sulphur and cetane requirements, the South African transport industry can look forward to trucks with higher Euro-rated engines …

But this is “old news”, right? Well, the reason I’m mentioning it is because TÜV, one of the leading European technical certification centres, has certified that the Iveco Stralis Hi-Way Euro 6 allows a fuel consumption reduction of 2,33 percent compared to the previous Euro-5 version. This is thanks to the HI-eSCR catalytic reduction system, patented by FPT Industrial, and the aerodynamic optimisations introduced with the new cab.

And (remembering that the glass is half full) South African operators can now reap these rewards … Well, okay, maybe not completely yet – but we’ll definitely see more Euro-5 vehicles on our roads. (Sasol’s turbodiesel USL 10 ppm is available at 78 forecourts in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, with more to be added during this and next year.)

But I digress … getting back Iveco, the tests carried out compared the new Stralis Hi-Way tractor unit (equipped with a 460 hp (340 kW) Euro-6 Cursor 11 engine) with a similar vehicle of the previous generation (equipped with a 460 hp Euro-5 Cursor 10 engine) – both in the EcoStralis version.

Lorenzo Sistino, Iveco brand president, comments: “Today’s achievement is another important result of the constant work carried out by Iveco to reduce fuel consumption. This commitment has already allowed the EcoStralis Euro-5 model to obtain the TÜV certification with a reduction in consumption of 7,32 percent compared to a standard model.”
 
According to Iveco the efficiency of both engines combined with the selective catalytic reduction system, HI-eSCR, mean that the new Stralis range meets the limits set by the Euro-6 standards without using exhaust gas recirculation – thereby offering weight reduction, lower fuel consumption and increased durability.

So with the availability of cleaner fuel, lower emissions and more fuel-efficient vehicles, 2014 is sure to put a smile on many operators’ faces. Happy New Year everyone!