Chrysler 2007 Annual Report Download - page 79

In the field of testing, a five-year operating, investment, and
resource plan was drawn up in order to support the process for
development of new vehicle platforms and consolidate the
excellence of testing activities both on benches and lab
materials.
Iveco continued investing in the revamp of its product range in
2007.
Testifying to its concern for the environment, Iveco presented
the Stralis heavy range vehicle with a CNG (Compressed
Natural Gas) engine at the “Pollutec Fair” (International
Exhibition of Environmental Equipment, Technologies and
Services) held in Lyon in February. This model uses the Cursor
8 engine in the CNG injection version, which guarantees
emissions far below European emissions standards.
The new Stralis was launched officially in March in Rome. This
vehicle is the latest development in its heavy road transport
range (19 to 44 ton curb weight). Equipped with Euro 5
compliant engines, it has a larger, restyled cabin and is
available in numerous versions. The new Stralis is also
produced in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) version. In
September, the Iveco Stralis received the “Truck & Driver –
Drivers’ Choice Award 2007” in the United Kingdom for the
most comfortable cabin in its class.
The Daily light commercial vehicle expanded its product line
with the April debut of the new Daily CNG version at the
International Ecotechnologies Show in Padua, and the October
debut of the new Daily 4x4, the light commercial vehicle
designed to address the needs of off-road transport
professionals, which was presented at the Transpotec Logitec
2007 in Milan. In 2007 the new Daily continued to receive
awards and recognition across Europe. In Spain, it received the
“Light Truck of the Year Award,” while in Great Britain it was
voted “Best Light Truck 2007.”
At the Bauma, the principal European show for the quarry and
construction sector, held in Munich, Iveco was represented
principally by the new Trakker, whose cabin was developed
starting from solutions adopted for the Stralis.
In May Iveco Irisbus officially presented the Citelis line to
customers and the Italian press. This model is designed for
personal transport in urban areas, with Euro 4/5 compliant and
owned 51% by Iveco for production in Russia of the Daily, the
light commercial vehicle of the Iveco range, especially in the
freight transport, minibus, and ambulance version. The target
on the medium-term envisages production of 25,000 vehicles
per year. These vehicles will be sold with the Iveco brand in
Russia and neighbouring countries through the Iveco and
Samotlor-NN commercial networks.
Iveco also consolidated its strategy in China during 2007: as
previously mentioned, SAIC Iveco Commercial Vehicle
Investment Company Ltd, a 50-50 joint-venture of Iveco and
SAIC, finalized the purchase of 67% of the capital of Chongqing
Hongyan Automotive Co Ltd and subsequently incorporated
the SAIC Iveco Hongyan Commercial Vehicles Co. Ltd.
Pursuant to an agreement initialled in 2006, Iveco and the
Spanish firm Santana launched a profitable production and
commercial partnership in 2007. Its principal objective is the
introduction in 2008 of the Massif, a light four-wheel drive
vehicle for professional off-road use.
Innovation and Products
In the second half of 2007, Iveco set up a centralised innovation
management process in connection with the platforms and
Business Units.
At the process level, priority was given to product and
methodological innovation along three main lines:
product innovation, methodological innovation, and financed
projects.
Product innovation focuses on six strategic areas: new
generation vehicles, best-in-class fuel consumption, cabin
interiors with a high standard of perceived quality, vehicle
frame solutions at optimised costs, excellence in preventive
safety, and evolution in online functions.
Methodological innovation focuses on four areas of activity:
product development procedures, virtual analysis, performance
measurement and control, and revision of technical standards.
Financed project activities are focused on strategic research
and development programs, with direct involvement of all
corporate entities concerned, to ensure consistency with
product strategy.
Report on Operations Iveco78