MEACHERS Group is now operating a 100 per cent Iveco fleet from its Southampton depot after taking delivery of 20 new Iveco Stralis 6x2 twin-steer tractor units to join 30 similar models already in operation.

Supplied by local dealer Hendy Van and Truck, each on a three-year full service contract hire agreement from Iveco Capital, the Stralis AS440S45TX/P tractors will operate nationwide with 13.6m Lawrence David curtainside trailers, transporting everything from packaging to bottled drinks.

Each vehicle is expected to cover approximately 160,000km a year and will be on-the-road up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Richard Lambourne, a director of Meachers Group, said: "Turn the clock back three years and we had never operated an Iveco vehicle, but following a really successful three-month trial we have been steadily replacing our entire Southampton fleet.

"The Stralis has an excellent driveline through its Cursor 10 engine and EuroTronic gearbox, which collectively delivers very competitive fuel consumption - a critical factor for any haulier these days.

"We've also experienced excellent reliability from the Stralis', supported by a first class service package from Hendy Van and Truck which ensures that any vehicle downtime is negligible," he adds.

The Iveco Stralis fleet operates exclusively from the Southampton depot, on the Nursling Industrial Estate, with the latest delivery of 20 vehicles having Iveco's new Active Space Super cab.

Designed by Iveco to offer drivers maximum comfort and space, this flagship cab features a heated and air-suspended driver's seat offering four separate comfort level settings and a flat floor covering the living area of the cab. Key features include a slide-out fridge, air-conditioning, door roller blinds and an electrically operated roof-vent and windscreen blind.

Mr Lambourne added: "The Active Space Super cab has been proving very popular and the drivers love the comfortable new bunks, not to mention the driveability of EuroTronic gearbox. Our drivers work flexible shifts as some of our clients - such as those in the cruise industry - require weekend or evening deliveries."