The world turns...and change in inevitable. Not least on Biglorryblog. Take the news that Iveco has secured an order for nine new low-height Stralis Active Space Super³ tractor units from Luckings--the transport and warehousing specialists to the entertainment industry. And it's certainly turned on the Lucking livery too-as I can't see any theatrical name on the front like Luckings waggons used to have. Ahhh...nostalgia, it's not what it used to be. And as if to remind you here's what they used to look like many years ago.
But hwey ho and click through here for the full story....and a close up of what that new livery looks like....
Each of the new AS440S45T/FP-LT 4x2 tractors (the first Ivecos to run in the Luckings fleet) will haul a Schmitz Cargobull mega trailer, following a recent decision by the company to replace its traditional step frames with trailers offering a continuous 10ft 6" load height throughout.
Biglorryblog learns that: "The arrival of the Stralis' follows a competitive appraisal which saw the company's drivers road test tractor units from three manufacturers." Nick Dooner, owner of Luckings, explains to me: "The drivers loved the Stralis and voted it their top choice, giving special praise for the comfortable and spacious cab. That spoke volumes about how impressed they were, as trips to Russia or Greece are not uncommon for our drivers - they spend a lot of time away in their vehicles and know what makes a good truck. Our demonstrator also performed very well on fuel. The trial was our first experience of a Stralis and it reinforced my impression that Iveco has developed a strong heavy truck product-an opinion I'd previously based purely on the significant number I see across Europe," adds Nick.
Another key factor in the company's decision to select the Stralis was Iveco's extensive European dealer network, which can provide consistently strong support wherever the company's new fleet may operate.
The nine new tractors, each powered by Iveco's 10.3 litre Cursor 10, join Luckings' fleet of 50 tractor units and 150 trailers and are expected to remain on the fleet for up to seven years, covering between 100,000-120,000 km a year. They will be used across a range of prestigious contracts, supporting television production companies, theatre shows, exhibitions and major events. One of the firm's most high profile jobs so far in 2009 has included delivering 40 trailer loads into the West End of London, in preparation for the summer opening of 'Sister Act' at the London Palladium.
Hi Brian
Good to see IVECO begining to enter fleets that previously would'nt consider them,Meachers,Widdosons (sorry about the spelling?)and many others,now Luckings.
For some time the press has been reporting these excellent vehicles are worth serious consideration and it would appear some big players have been listening.Keep up the good work Iveco.
Mike Davies
Waterlooville