Chrysler 2010 Annual Report Download - page 126

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Despite the continuation of the global crisis, Iveco demonstrated the resilience of its business, leveraging on
the breadth of its product portfolio to achieve solid financial performance in the face of economic uncertainty.
The sector continued its product development activities and worked to improve standards of service, including
the introduction of structural changes for its distribution and service networks.
Iveco strengthened its presence outside Europe through a globalization strategy focused on consolidating
alliances in China and increasing activity in Latin America, as well as progressive expansion of its product
offering and commercial presence in African and Middle Eastern markets.
In China, there was a focus on expansion of the product range to drive growth in the domestic market, as
well as supply to international markets. Meanwhile, Latin America has rapidly become one of Iveco’s most
important markets. With strong economic growth in the region, particularly in Brazil, Iveco had extremely
positive commercial performance, improving both volumes and market share with a product offering that
already matches its European catalog. There are plans to further expand the range with a new medium-segment
vehicle based on a platform developed in China.
INNOVATION AND PRODUCTS
Innovation and sustainability are two concepts that Iveco considers inseparable and in 2010 the company
continued to innovate, developing new methodologies and products that represent major elements in the
sector’s contribution to sustainable mobility.
The company’s innovation process is based on a series of well-defined targets that aim to ensure product
development and design and production methodologies are oriented toward satisfying customers and
the demands of sustainable mobility. Product innovation is centered around four strategic priorities: the
environment, safety, productivity and performance. Process innovation, on the other hand, focuses on the
following strategic areas: product development processes, virtual analysis, performance measurement and
verification, and product-process integration.
In 2010, Iveco continued in its research focus on innovative technological solutions to expand its range of
eco-friendly, highly energy-efficient vehicles. Today the company offers an extensive and varied portfolio of
eco-compatible products that respond to a wide range of specific customer needs. Aware of the fact that
there is no single, unique solution to the demands of sustainable transport, Iveco continues to introduce
highly-innovative product content that represents a realistic and pragmatic approach to sustainable mobility.
Iveco continued development of its CNG range of vehicles, which have always represented an important part
of its portfolio. In fact, it is the only manufacturer of trucks and commercial vehicles in the world today to offer
such a comprehensive range of CNG vehicles that are fully compliant with the strict EU emissions standards
to be introduced.
During the year, Iveco continued road testing (in collaboration with major international customers) of hybrid
diesel/electric vehicles. This represents yet another innovative technology in which Iveco has invested that
provides the perfect balance between transportation needs (payload and performance) and respect for the
environment. The tests were conducted with the Daily, both van and minibus versions, and the medium-segment
Eurocargo, the first European vehicle of its type and size developed for urban use (with several units already
sold in Spain). In the mass transit area, Iveco released new 12-meter and 18-meter versions of the Citelis city
bus complete with a new generation hybrid propulsion system. Iveco’s latest generation of hybrid technology
offers up to 30% savings in fuel consumption in city driving conditions, and a consequent reduction in CO2
emissions, through the utilization of sophisticated control systems and functions that optimize the performance
of propulsion systems.