From an economic sustainability standpoint, the vehicles generated total cost of ownership savings of up to 10%. Natural gas also enabled fuel savings of up to 40%.
Iveco says that running its 18-metre-long articulated truck was also valuable in terms of assessing its performance on the road infrastructure and its parking manoeuvrability.
The trial also highlighted the reduction in fuel consumption per unit for transported goods and hence alsoCO2 emissions.
Originally authorised in July 2008 by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Progetto Diciotto was launched by ANFIA (Italian Automotive Industry Association).
"Iveco and SMET's decision to field test an 18- metre-long LNG Stralis has definitely proven to be a winning combination, and reaffirms Iveco's commitment and role in increasing sustainable mobility," comments Pierre Lahutte, Iveco brand president.
Similar experiments are also underway in other European countries including the Czech Republic, Germany and UK.