‘Sublime’ Hi-Matic transmission swings 21-vehicle PHVC contract for IVECO BUS

Monday 30th April 2018

Minibus supplier PHVC has taken delivery of the UK’s first right-hand drive, factory-built IVECO Daily Line Hi-Matic minibus. The 22-seater has been purchased as a demonstrator to showcase to end-user fleets, with an order for a further 20 vehicles already placed.

The Hampshire-based firm, which supplies vehicles to sectors including education, community transport and local authorities, is confident of strong demand for IVECO BUS’ latest offering after customers have driven the minibus.

PHVC has spotted a growing market for 22/23-seater vehicles and chose IVECO BUS for the first time because of its class-exclusive eight-speed Hi-Matic transmission which guarantees maximum performance and unbeatable comfort. The launch of the new Daily Line range also ensures PHVC benefits from the quality and short lead time of factory-built minibuses.

Managing Director of PHVC, Paul Huxford, says after trialling an IVECO Daily Hi-Matic his firm will now only buy automatic vehicles, and that the manufacturer’s success in being named International Minibus of the Year 2017 with its Daily Tourys put them ahead of all their competitors.

Huxford adds: “IVECO BUS lent us a 3.5 tonne Daily panel van with Hi-Matic transmission to test out – and it was sublime. We can see why the Daily is becoming so popular.

“Another reason we chose IVECO BUS is this vehicle’s 6.5 tonne gross vehicle weight which makes it very sturdy. With this and the impressive Hi-Matic transmission, it shows IVECO BUS is a major player in the minibus sector. We are really enthusiastic about this new partnership and are confident we will enjoy a long and fruitful relationship.”

The Daily 65C18HA8 was delivered directly from IVECO’s factory in Italy and is powered by the manufacturer’s 3.0 litre Euro VI diesel engine delivering up to 180 hp. Built on a 4,100mm wheelbase, the vehicle also offers a rear access lift for passengers with disabilities.

The Hi-Matic transmission offered by IVECO BUS is also found in premium cars manufactured by sister group companies Jeep and Maserati. Offering absolute driving pleasure, it changes gear more quickly and precisely than even the best driver, needing less than 200 milliseconds for a gear shift when greater acceleration is required. Its proven durability and reliability helps reduce repair and maintenance costs by 10 per cent versus a standard manual transmission.

The Daily Line is also available with a Natural Power engine running on compressed natural gas (CNG) – which was a key consideration for PHVC. Huxford adds: “A lot of the sectors we supply vehicles to are already looking at alternative fuels.

“We expect around 50 per cent of our orders will be for CNG vehicles in five years. So, for us it’s vital to have a good working relationship with the manufacturer which is leading the way in this market.”

PHVC has nearly 30 years’ experience in supplying minibuses, commercial vehicles and cars and is one of the largest suppliers of vehicles to the education sector in the UK. It provides a number of sales and funding options to suit all needs.