The Australian truck manufacturing industry just got stronger with the Iveco announcing another model in the Stralis range will be built at its plant in Dandenong, Melbourne.
Production of the Stralis AT will start in the fourth quarter of this year, replacing the fully imported variant currently on sale, the ATi.
The Stralis AT joins local production of Iveco’s Stralis AS-L, Powerstar, ACCO and Delta and Metro bus chassis models and will be available as a 6×4 prime mover or 6×2 rigid in a variety of specifications.
In a further boost to the automotive economy, Iveco has also said many components such as mirrors, wheel angles, trailer connections, batteries, wheels and liquids will be sourced locally.
The addition of the Stralis AT to the production mix will see the Dandenong facility undergo investment in tooling and software to calibrate the AT’s adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems, and in doing so introduces new technology to the site.
Iveco claims the move to local production of AT models will reduce lead times from vehicle order to delivery and give customers the ability to customise their trucks by adding factory-fitted special options and local accessories.
Iveco Australia managing director, Michael Jonson, said the increase in local production highlighted the company’s commitment to Australian manufacturing.
“IVECO is one of only a few remaining commercial vehicle brands to manufacture here – this latest expansion in Australian-based production demonstrates the company’s commitment to having a strong local manufacturing presence,” Jonson said.
“The addition of Stralis AT variants to the local production mix along with other initiatives will ultimately see a modest increase in the facility’s manufacturing workforce, so this is good for the local workforce but also for Australian truck buyers who can further reap the benefits that locally-manufactured vehicles provide.
“The expansion of local production not only reflects a strong belief from Iveco Australia that local manufacturing is sustainable, but the initiative is also strongly supported by parent company CNH Industrial,” he added.
