Tartaned up 570hp IVECO S-WAY joins JG McWilliam’s fleet

Monday 23rd August 2021

Based up in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, is family-owned general haulier, JG McWilliam. No stranger to the IVECO brand, having previously run several Stralis on contract hire, the business has just purchased its first IVECO S-WAY, treating it to its full traditional Scottish livery.

The new truck, an AS440S57TX/FP IVECO S-WAY 6x2 tractor, sits on full air suspension with a steering mid-lift axle and Alcoa Dura-bright alloy wheels. Starting life in Dream Blue, the boldly styled AS Sleeper Cab has been treated to the haulier’s distinctive and classic two-tone blue colour scheme with a bright tartan ribbon running around its waistline and up the side spoilers.

Not content with just this, the chassis, wheel hubs, fuel & air tanks, door mirrors and external sun visor have been colour-coded to match while white bumper inlays, backlit fleet sign and matt-chromed front grille kit have been fitted from the IVECO accessories catalogue.

McWilliam’s IVECO S-WAY is powered by the range-topping 12.9-litre Cursor 13, producing 570hp and 2,500Nm via the well-regarded automated 12-speed HI-TRONIX transmission with IVECO HI-CRUISE GPS predictive drive. Supplementing the gearbox’s ability to forward plan for undulating terrain, Rocking Mode provides its driver with a safety net should they encounter a low-grip situation or venture away from the tarmac in winter.

In preparation for poor visibility in highland winters and unlit roads at night, full-LED lighting equips the driver with 15% improved hazard perception with a crisper beam pattern and ‘bending’ ability. Not only is LED lighting more efficient and longer-lasting than conventional filament units, but they help give IVECO S-WAY its identity with swooping daytime running lights and turn indicators.

With drivers spending days away at a time, top-level comfort has been considered with a leather interior, door blinds, bunk curtains, ambient lighting, night heater, navigation and Automatic Climate Control. The 2.15m standing space has been supplemented with additional under-cab lockers and market-leading fridge/freezer space giving a total of nearly 630-litres of storage. A swivelling passenger seat, wide top bunk and T-shaped double-ended reclining lower bunk makes for relaxed living and an engaging workspace.

The company operates a wide range of trailers and has ensured the IVECO S-WAY is compatible with all operations. Fitted with an extended catwalk and a ZF PTO, this truck will be predominantly hauling tipper trailers. A digital axle load measurement system safeguards its driver with complete payload clarity when carrying heavy loads.

“We’ve run the previous generation IVECO heavy truck before, and they proved to be good, reliable trucks. We’ve been impressed with the fuel economy so decided to add an IVECO S-WAY to our fleet,” commented McWilliams’ Transport Manager, Bruce McWilliam.

“So far, we’ve had really good feedback from the driver. It is comfortable, quiet and has plenty of power for the hills. The cab is a nice place to live. We’ve had a very positive experience with the brand and AM Phillip provided a great level of communication while the truck was being prepared in their workshops before it went on the road. It’ll probably cover around 900,000kms over the next seven to eight years.”

Supplied by AM Philip in Forfar, all IVECO S-WAY include as standard a 2-year (3-year for natural gas models) IVECO ON connected 3XL R&M package. A connection to the central IVECO control room means that no matter where the truck is, the driver is never alone. Running data is monitored to facilitate early warning of maintenance requirements, raising the bar for TCO and uptime. Drivers can prompt remote software updates from the cab and check vehicle status, whilst by downloading the IVECO EasyWay App they can operate climate, locking, lighting and window functions with their smartphone.

Commenting on the addition, IVECO UK’s Heavy Business-line Director, Gareth Lumsdaine said, “IVECO S-WAY is doing us very proud in the UK so far, and it’s most heartening to see operators such as JG McWilliam taking so much pride in their trucks. Going all out with personalisation and extending their identity to the vehicles can be a considerable investment, so it shows a real belief in the product.”