The deal is said to mark Iveco’s largest heavy truck order in the UK this year and will see Axis offer the vehicles to both existing and new fleets on full service contract hire – funded through Iveco Capital and fleet managed by Axis, with maintenance via Iveco’s nationwide dealer network.
Mick Ledden, managing director of Axis Fleet Management, says: “The Iveco team has been incredibly proactive to get this order off the ground and into build swiftly. They understood our requirements from the outset, and there’s been a genuine desire to work closely together.”
The new fleet will be powered by Iveco’s Cursor 11 engine (453.5 bhp and 2,150 Nm of torque) using Iveco’s patented HI-SCR engine technology that requires neither driver involvement nor downtime from forced regeneration. HI-SCR is said to contribute to the Stralis Hi-Way’s long service intervals for the diesel particulate filter of up to 600,000km.
Ledden explains: “HI-SCR means greater vehicle productivity for our customers and no application restrictions, which is worth its weight in gold. Iveco has adopted a simple and light solution to Euro VI, and that translates directly into reduced R&M requirements and a better payload capacity for our customers.”
Commenting on the order, Stuart Webster, Iveco UK & ROI Business Director, adds: “Axis is focused on managing-out downtime for its customers, so this order clearly reflects the confidence they have in the Stralis and our unique approach to Euro VI. It’s a terrific contract to win, and we’re confident we can help Axis deliver genuine added value to its customers.”
Axis says it prides itself on a more accessible approach to providing credit with a contract hire market that is open to a wider customer base than traditional finance houses. The company’s personalised style in managing credit applications ensures prompt decisions on new contracts, enabling operators to get required vehicles on the road quicker.
The initial order is comprised entirely of Stralis Hi-Way 460hp 6x2 tractors – Iveco’s most popular 44-tonner in the UK and designed to offer the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) to fleets. Axis will also offer other models from across the Iveco range to meet individual fleet requirements.
The first vehicles are being supplied by Bristol-based Iveco dealer Aquila Truck Centres. Axis is also holding a series of ride & drive events to allow fleets to experience the Stralis product in a real-world environment.
Ledden concludes: “We are very excited about our new relationship with Iveco. This initial order is focused on diesel models, but we’re also very interested in the Stralis NP (Natural Power). So far as gas trucks go, Iveco tops the premier league in alternative fuels and we love their ethos and commitment to sustainability. We’d be very open to supplying Stralis NP product in the future.”
Founded by executive chairman Robert J Montague CBE, Oxfordshire-headquartered Axis Fleet Management specialises in long-term contract hire and fleet management, operating more than 3,000 assets including rigid trucks, tractor units and trailers.