AUSTRALIA’S first locally manufactured truck is about to enter its next generation.
At a recent industry event, manufacturer Iveco announced details of the next generation Acco model, along with the news evaluation models would soon enter extensive real-world trials with selected customers.
Iveco Australia, business director, Bruce Healy said the Acco was an Australian transport industry legend, and Iveco was working tirelessly to ensure the next generation did the iconic nameplate proud.
“Developed for the Australian army in the years following World War II, the Acco is Australia’s first locally-designed and manufactured truck,” he said.
“Following its inception, the model quickly made the transition from army to civilian life and found a home in all manner of applications, from vocational work to line-haul and everything in between.
“With extensive development over the years, the Acco still continues to hold its own in today’s ultra competitive truck market, attracting a strong legion of followers who appreciate its rugged Australian design, lean architecture and reputation for durability.
“To replace a transport legend is no mean feat, so extensive local development has been undertaken in preparation for the next chapter of the Acco.”
Mr Healy said the new Acco combined many of the attributes of the previous model, as well as cutting edge technology from its new Stralis X-Way platform.
“It’s been a joint effort between our local engineering department and the design team at Iveco’s European headquarters,” he said.
“Iveco is also very pleased to report that the Acco will continue to be manufactured right here in Australia at our Dandenong, Melbourne facility.”
Mr Healy said the Acco would be available in both ‘six by four’ and ‘eight by four’ configurations, and the vehicles would be equipped with Iveco front axles, tapered two-leaf parabolic suspension and Iveco eight bag electronically controlled air suspension, with Meritor tandem drive axles featuring active traction control and driver controlled diff locks.
The model will feature SCR Euro 6, Cursor 9 engines with between 230 and 260 killowatts (310 and 360 horsepower) of power.
Mr Healy said the Acco would include advanced safety features, a new cab design and the familial three-piece steel front bumper with headlight mesh.
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